The countdown is on for the 10th anniversary of the Cross-Regional Entrepreneurial Expo and Gauntlet awards ceremony. The Gauntlet is Virginia’s largest business program and competition. New this year, business owners, outside of the GAUNTLET class of 2024, are invited to hit the stage during the day to pitch their business to a panel judges. The opportunity to pitch to judges is free. The winner will receive a $1,000 award to help build their business.

Boosting our local economy by building up small businesses.

More than 100 local entrepreneurs are working to take their business ideas to the next level.

A pair of entrepreneurs’ dreams came true as they were crowned the winner of the 9th annual Gauntlet Business Competition and Program.

Rudy’s Girl Media is premiering Hometown Hustle Season 2 on YouTube April 4 at 7 p.m.

Natalie Hodge, Gauntlet co-winner and owner of Rudy's Girl Media talks successes after winning Gauntlet business competition, and the premier of season 2 of her series of Hometown Hustle.

It’s time to announce our 3 Degree Guarantee recipient!

Classes start tomorrow for the 9th Annual Gauntlet Business Competition and Program.

The Gauntlet is Virginia’s Largest Business Program and Competition and offers a proven formula to develop business knowledge, by pairing entrepreneurs with mentors, and opening up numerous resources for new and expanding businesses.

The Gauntlet, now in its ninth year, is Virginia’s largest business program and competition.

A life-changing moment for two local entrepreneurs and a historic milestone for the Gauntlet - Virginia’s Largest Business Competition.

Judging is underway for the Gauntlet, Virginia’s largest business competition and program.

A Martinsville clothing boutique is getting help expanding thanks to Gauntlet business competition.

A major grant has been awarded to the advancement foundation to help entrepreneurs working to start or expand their business. State Farm has awarded $35,000 through the opportunity and purpose driven economic development grant program.

If you have a great business idea, now is your chance to get funding and become your own boss. Applications are open for the 8th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition. New this year, a matching grant program to help more entrepreneurs in Martinsville. Uptown partnership with match funding from the city of Martinsville was selected to receive $90,000 through the governor's community business launch grant.

If you have a great business idea, now is your chance to get funding and become your own boss. Applications are open for the 8th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition. New this year, a matching grant program to help more entrepreneurs in Martinsville. Uptown partnership with match funding from the city of Martinsville was selected to receive $90,000 through the governor's community business launch grant.

If you have an idea to start your own business, or already have a business you are looking to expand, registration is now open for the 8th annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition hosted by the Advancement Foundation in Vinton.

Hundreds of participants who completed the Gauntlet program will now be eligible to receive college credit.

Megan and Lindsey sit down with the winner of The Gauntlet competition!

One step closer to making their business dreams come true, nearly 50 local entrepreneurs submitted their business plans this week to be judged in the Gauntlet. The Gauntlet is the state’s largest business competition program that has helped hundreds of local businesses start or expand over the past 7 years.

A local competition that could help shape our local economy is heating up.

Local entrepreneurs hoping to win cash and prizes to help start or expand their business are in the home stretch of the Gauntlet business competition.

ROANOKE, Va. – Strengthening female business leaders in the local Latin American community, the Latinas Network is partnering with the Gauntlet business program and competition this year. “My goal is for business owners to have more time to focus on what matters by providing business solutions,” Savany said on her website. She has recognized the need for online tax services, notary, bookkeeping and more since the start of the pandemic and has continued to expand her offerings. AdSavany is one of more than 100 local entrepreneurs competing in the Gauntlet business program and competition this year. She said the course has been very beneficial to her business and a wonderful opportunity she is thankful for.

It’s called “an entrepreneurial ecosystem.” Fostering entrepreneurship has become a core focus of economic development in cities and countries around the world. Tapping into the entrepreneurial ecosystem is a core lesson taught in the program. AdOften, local businesses support other local businesses, knowing they’re each stronger together. Amanda Forrester with the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center said that’s a trend in Southwest Virginia, especially during the pandemic. The community plays a big role in creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As 2021 begins, business owners face a rapidly shifting landscape. But business is different, and the way many business owners operate is different too. We all know our small businesses need a lot of help to make it through the pandemic. AdThat’s why Patterson’s focus is supporting local entrepreneurs starting and building their businesses through the Gauntlet Business program and competition. “We have to put our money where our mouth is and support our local businesses,” Patterson said.

The state’s largest business competition program begins Tuesday night and there’s still time to sign up. 10 News is working for you to help rebuild our local economy by sponsoring Virginia’s largest business competition, the Gauntlet. Applications are still open for the 7th Annual Gauntlet Business Program and Competition online. The Gauntlet incorporates participants from Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Botetourt County, the Alleghany Highlands, and Rockbridge County. State Farm is the lead sponsor for the 2021 season, donating $35,000 to the Gauntlet Business Competition.

10 News is working for you to help rebuild our local economy by sponsoring Virginia’s largest business competition, the Gauntlet. Started by the Advancement Foundation in Vinton, the Gauntlet helps entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses. The Gauntlet provides a 10-week program that helps entrepreneurs create a business plan. The Gauntlet incorporates participants from Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Botetourt County, the Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County. Applications are now open for the 7th Annual GAUNTLET Business Program and Competition online.

Supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Southwest Virginia, State Farm has awarded The Advancement Foundation in Vinton a $35,000 grant to help sustain and scale the Commonwealth’s largest business program and competition. During a time when it is needed most, State Farm and The Advancement Foundation say their organizations aim to increase business development to rebuild the local economy. “State Farm is proud to provide funding for The Gauntlet through the Advancement Foundation,” said State Farm spokesperson Kate Beadle. AdApplications are now open for the 7th Annual GAUNTLET Business Program and Competition online. For more information, interested entrepreneurs, mentors, sponsors, and community leaders can visit here.