REGISTER FOR VIRGINIA’S LARGEST BUSINESS PROGRAM & COMPETITION!
The GAUNTLET is a dynamic 10-week business development program and competition that connects entrepreneurs to resources! Entrepreneurs will attend weekly training sessions. In addition, they will have the opportunity to meet and network with successful entrepreneurs, fellow GAUNTLET participants, and mentors. This engagement assists entrepreneurs in the development of business strategies which provide a roadmap to success. Businesses must be starting or expanding in Alleghany Highlands, Botetourt County, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Rockbridge County, Buchanan, and/or the City of Salem.
Over $300,000 in cash and in-kind awards are given, with additional resources such as low interest loan funds, matching grants, and industry expertise are available to GAUNTLET participants.
The Application, Calendar, and FAQ can be found here https://theadvancementfoundation.org/gauntlet-business-program-competition/
In 2018 we have over 120 entrepreneurs and over 250 mentors involved in the program. 2019 we had 169 entrepreneurs and approximately 300 mentors. 2020 we had 177 entrepreneurs and over 300 mentors.
Anyone is welcome to participate in the training sessions and classes; however, businesses wanting to compete for cash and prizes must start or expand their business in the Alleghany Highlands, Botetourt County, Rockbridge County, Roanoke City, and/or Roanoke County. For more information or to sign up for the 2020 classes contact
Weekly classes began on the first Tuesday of February from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Class locations include:
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College: 1000 Dabney Drive, Clifton Forge, VA 24422
Humble HIVE: 601 11th Street NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
Vinton War Memorial: 814 E Washington Avenue, Vinton, VA 24179
Dabney S. Lancaster Rockbridge Regional Center
CLASS OF 2020
Alleghany Highlands Gauntlet Winners of 2020
| THE GAUNTLET WINNERS 2020 | |||
| Alleghany Highlands Businesses | Cash | In-Kind | Total |
| Horse Mountain Farm | $6,000.00 | $7,750.00 | $13,750.00 |
| Cultivate Bar | $0.00 | $4,600.00 | $4,600.00 |
| Bob Donnan Photography | $0.00 | $4,450.00 | $4,450.00 |
| New Beginnings Archery | $0.00 | $4,375.00 | $4,375.00 |
| Heirlooms Foods | $3,100.00 | $ 500.00 | $3,600.00 |
| The Flower Center | $0.00 | $3,249.00 | $3,249.00 |
| On our Way | $0.00 | $1,725.00 | $1,725.00 |
| Love Dee Creations | $0.00 | $1,250.00 | $1,250.00 |
| Home Inspections | $0.00 | $1,150.00 | $1,150.00 |
| **COVID hit so classes went virtual and we ended up losing some folks | |||
| TOTALS | $9,100.00 | $29,049.00 | $38,149.00 |
Alleghany Highlands Gauntlet Winners of 2019
| THE GAUNTLET WINNERS 2019 | |||
| Alleghany Highlands Businesses | Cash | In-Kind | Total |
| Formable Grabber | $6,000.00 | $15,095.00 | $21,095.00 |
| IVO, Ltd | $2,000.00 | $16,845.00 | $18,845.00 |
| Easy Workings | $17,345.00 | $17,345.00 | |
| Honeycomb Grove | $1,000.00 | $14,045.00 | $14,045.00 |
| Quest Knight Enterprises | $7,845.00 | $7,845.00 | |
| Keely Massie Photography | $6,595.00 | $6,595.00 | |
| Born Again Custom Woodworks | $6,399.00 | $6,399.00 | |
| Vernz Trucking | $6,000.00 | $1,345.00 | $7,345.00 |
| Celebration Depot | $3,895.00 | $3,895.00 | |
| Museum of Antique Coffee Mills | $3,800.00 | $3,800.00 | |
| Michel’s Pizza | $1,100.00 | $1,100.00 | |
| Olde Town Diner | $1,600.00 | $1,600.00 | |
| Art Squared | $2,420.00 | $2,420.00 | |
| Sonny Side Café | $2,900.00 | $2,900.00 | |
| TOTALS | $15,000.00 | $101,229.00 | $115,229.00 |
Alleghany Highlands Gauntlet Winners of 2018
| THE GAUNTLET WINNERS 2018 | |||
| Alleghany Highlands Businesses | Cash | In-Kind | Total |
| Alleghany Outfitters | $8,000.00 | $10,350.00 | $18,350.00 |
| Farm at Glen Haven | $2,000.00 | $3,070.00 | $5,070.00 |
| Ride CFVA | $500.00 | $2,800.00 | $3,300.00 |
| Jane – Lollie’s Quilt Shop | $5,350.00 | $5,350.00 | |
| Roslyn -Helping the Highlands | $2,000.00 | ||
| Dawg Gone Wingz | $2,000.00 | ||
| SUBTOTAL | $36,070.00 | ||
| Businesses that will be doing business in the AH | |||
| Eco Brew Tour | $2,500.00 | $8,085.00 | $10,585.00 |
| Rachael | $2,000.00 | $3,400.00 | $5,400.00 |
| Rebel Radish | $4,600.00 | $4,600.00 | |
| Gala Adventures | $3,600.00 | ||
| SUBTOTAL | $24,185.00 | ||
| TOTAL | $60,255.00 | ||
| Big Winner – (Roanoke) | |||
| Advance Energy Solutions | $12,000.00 | $11,450.00 | $23,450.00 |
