Virginiaโs largest business program & competition about to celebrate 10th award ceremony at Berglund Center
The countdown is on for the 10th anniversary of the Cross-Regional Entrepreneurial Expo and Gauntlet awards ceremony. The Gauntlet is Virginiaโs 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.
The Deep Blue Ridge: Glass-blowing artist shares childhood memory that sparked his love for glass
A childhood memory inspired one man to pursue a passion in the industry of glass blowing and now, heโs giving back to people in the community interested in the art. Parker Stafford, 57, runs his own hot glass studio and gallery at 8685 Virginia Avenue in Newport.
State Farm donates $35,000 to help local businesses through the Gauntlet
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.
140 local entrepreneurs begin week 2 of the Gauntlet Business Program
Over the 10-week course, entrepreneurs will learn skills in order to create a business plan. Annette Patterson, president of the Advancement Foundation, said itโs crucial for all business owners to have a written business plan in order to map out their idea, understand what works, what doesnโt and truly grasp if their business is fiscally sound.
$65,000 award given to help build business in Bedford
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.
Entrepreneurs get $90,000 to help build business in Uptown Martinsville
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.
Local business owner turned philanthropic powerhouse recognized for supporting others
A Roanoke business owner took the title of two big honors in one day. Marj Easterling, owner of Big Lick screen printing found out she won the title of Most Savvy Entrepreneur in Roanoker magazineโs โBest of 2020,โ and that morning she was named citizen of the year from the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce
More than 50 local entrepreneurs competing for prize money to fund their business idea
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 stateโs largest business competition program that has helped hundreds of local businesses start or expand over the past 7 years.
Turning a profit for progress: How a local business owner is helping other female entrepreneurs
ROANOKE, Va. โ Turning a profit for progress, a local entrepreneur is starting a business to help women in Latin American communities by bringing a piece of Ecuador to Roanoke. Woven Artisan Gallery is an online collection of artisan products for your home handcrafted by women in Ecuador. Itโs a passion project for Roanoke architect Josephine Arbaugh, originally from Ecuador, whoโs starting the business with the help of the Gauntlet Business Program and Competition. Arbaughโs mission is to partner with artisans and designers to help them overcome barriers to success that female entrepreneurs face in developing countries. Learn more and keep up to date on the business opening through the Woven Artisan Gallery Facebook page.
JH Bards Spirit Co. opens as Pulaski Countyโs first distillery
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. โ Pulaski County is getting its first distillery. JH Bards Spirit Co. opens this weekend. Itโs been two years in the making and a New River Valley location was always part of the dream. AdAs the spirit company hits restaurants and shelves across the country, Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet said it is showcasing some of the best of Pulaski County and the New River Family. JH Bards Spirt Co. will be open Friday to Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the week they will offer private tastings.
Growing community profit: Local business taps into medicinal herb industry
Corporate responsibility is a key element in Taproot Botanical Alliance, a Floyd County start-up by David Grimsley, that teaches farmers to diversify their crops by growing medicinal herbs. โTaproot Botanical Alliance was created to address all three of these aspects. Grimsley said the medicinal herb industry is booming right now and can be an excellent revenue stream for farmers willing to learn the business. Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb. For more information about Taproot Botanical Alliance, email David Grimsley: taprootbotanicalalliance@gmail.com .
Roanoke businesswoman offered full-scholarship to compete in Gauntlet, expand her business
ROANOKE, Va. โ Strengthening female business leaders in the local Latin American community, the Latinas Network is partnering with the Gauntlet business program and competition this year. โMy goal is for business owners to have more time to focus on what matters by providing business solutions,โ 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.
7-year-old who sells lemonade becomes youngest entrepreneur in the Gauntlet
ROANOKE, Va. โ Making history at seven years old, Judah Clements is the youngest entrepreneur to ever be accepted into the Gauntlet program. Selling lemonade under his nickname Judah Bug, he is ready to bottle his product and start selling online. Looking for some help, Judah and his family, turned to The Gauntlet. โI found out that it takes a lot of work,โ Judah said. AdโItโs going to inspire them to do a business,โ Judah said.
Creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem: A look at how SWVA is fostering entrepreneurship
Itโs called โan entrepreneurial ecosystem.โ 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 theyโre each stronger together. Amanda Forrester with the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center said thatโs a trend in Southwest Virginia, especially during the pandemic. The community plays a big role in creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Many southwest Virginia business owners not taking advantage of available PPP money
There is still CARES Act money available for businesses struggling to pay their employees, but many in southwest Virginia arenโt taking advantage of it. Forrester said interested business owners should contact their banks to find out if they are eligible. AdThe SBDC is doing a roadshow across the region to help business owners one-on-one apply. She says there is no way to track how many permanent closures have happened, but we will begin to see a comparative number as business owners renew business licenses in 2021. AdForrester said itโs crucial that business owners take advantage of all resources available to them in order to make it through this year.
The Gauntlet business competition hopes to help rebuild local economy
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. AdThatโs why Pattersonโs focus is supporting local entrepreneurs starting and building their businesses through the Gauntlet Business program and competition. โWe have to put our money where our mouth is and support our local businesses,โ Patterson said.
Over 100 local entrepreneurs head to the Gauntlet to bring their business idea to life
The stateโs largest business competition program begins Tuesday night and thereโs still time to sign up. 10 News is working for you to help rebuild our local economy by sponsoring Virginiaโs 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.
Have a great business idea? Sign up for the Gauntlet business competition
10 News is working for you to help rebuild our local economy by sponsoring Virginiaโs 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.
State Farm donates $35K to help local businesses through the Gauntlet competition
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 Commonwealthโs 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. โState Farm is proud to provide funding for The Gauntlet through the Advancement Foundation,โ 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.
Directory created to help Roanoke minority- and women-owned businesses
ROANOKE, Va. โ As more people look for ways to support local businesses, thereโs a new initiative that aims to make that easier. Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce is launching a new directory to highlight minority and women-owned businesses. โIf someone is looking for like a contractor, or a cake maker or whatever, they will have an easier time locating those folks,โ Roanoke Regional Chamber President and CEO Joyce Waugh said. โMy hope is that the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce will find grass root organizations and lead this to be a bigger and better operation,โ she added. The online directory will be available on the chamberโs website by March.
The Gauntlet expands locations to help more entrepreneurs during the coronavirus pandemic
ROANOKE, Va. โ In an effort to make more entrepreneursโ dreams come true, the Advancement Foundation is expanding its business competition. Fourteen more locations, mainly in Bedford County, are on The Gauntletโs list to help. The business competition wants to use its resources to rebuild economies again, especially after taking a hit during the pandemic. โIt really helps provide a sense of security which is more important than ever,โ the Advancement Foundation President Annette Patterson said. And then the pandemic hit and everything came to a screeching halt,โ Oiler said.
Roanoke Black-owned small business to be featured on QVC, HSN
ROANOKE, Va. โ In an effort to highlight Black-owned businesses, the NRF Foundation and Qurate Retail Group is teaming up to showcase these business-owners and their products on QVC, HSN, Zulily and several other brands. Sheโs International Boutique in Roanoke was one of 20 chosen. Now, she owns her own small business and has used the events of 9/11 to shape how she lives her life and runs her business. Her business, Sheโs International Boutique, is one of twenty Black-owned businesses chosen to showcase their work on QVC and HSN. Speaks says she is excited to showcase her business and is honored to be provided such a large platform, especially after months of slower business due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gauntlet celebrates five years of small business growth in Roanoke Valley
VINTON, Va. โ The Roanoke Valleyโs own The Gauntlet celebrated the end of its fifth season Thursday night. Entrepreneurs once again competed in Virginia's largest business growth competition. They were recognized for their hard work and growth over the last few months at the Vinton War Memorial. The Advancement Foundation is behind the program and said as the program continues to grow, so do the opportunities for businesses right here at home. We want to keep our talent here," Advancement Foundation President Annette Patterson said.
$180,000 given to help local entrepreneurs start up small businesses
COVINGTON โ To build up small businesses in local rural communities, Gov. Ralph Northam on Wednesday announced that $180,000 will be given to five localities to help train and provide seed money for local entrepreneurs. "People need to realize that it is the small businesses, the small startups that are the backbone of our economy,โ Northam said. The goal of the grant is to help local entrepreneurs in rural communities build up business and help revive the local economy. โAnything I can do to help rural Virginia, I'll do and it starts with small businesses."
Advancement Foundation helps small businesses thrive
ROANOKE, VA (WSLS10) A non-profit in the town of Vinton is working to create an environment for small businesses to thrive. Workers at the Advancement Foundation are helping business owners build a solid plan so they can start their own business. "It makes me feel great to know that it's there but I would have liked to have known about it a long time ago," Habibah Yasin, the owner of Black Diamond Beauty Salon said. They help entrepreneurs by linking them up with small business owners who can mentor them to make sure they are on the right track. โResearch shows that small business failure is common but businesses that come through a business incubator are about 87% successful which is unbelievable,โ Annette Patterson, the president of the Advancement Foundation said.