The Advancement Foundation’s Gauntlet Business Program & Competition, a business development program that provides training and education to entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to grow their business ideas, often in economically challenged places, is now expanding its service area to include not only the Roanoke Valley, Botetourt County, the Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County; but also this year, the program and competition will expand to include Bedford County, Town of Bedford, Big Island, Chamblissburg, Coleman Falls, Forest, Goode, Goodview, Hardy, Huddleston, Moneta, Montvale, New London and Thaxton.

“Small businesses truly are the backbone of our economy. During the past year, we have seen record high unemployment rates and an alarming number of businesses closing. Together, we can turn this around by leveraging our community assets, shortening the learning curve for business owners, connecting entrepreneurs to knowledgeable business strategists, and providing needed resources to implement innovative strategies for growth. The Gauntlet is the platform by which we can bring all the pieces of the puzzle together quickly, while building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. This program and competition are more important now than ever.”

– Annette Patterson, President, The Advancement Foundation

If you know an entrepreneur or small business owner who is ready to take the next step within the program’s defined service area, The Advancement Foundation is accepting applications until January 31, 2021. Click here to submit an application!

Image Credit: The Roanoker Magazine