The annual Gauntlet award ceremony is celebrating its 10th anniversary and will be accompanied by a first ever Cross-Regional Entrepreneur Expo. Over the past decade, the Gauntlet has assisted over 1000 local businesses in achieving their goals through cash and in-kind prizes awarded based on placement. This year, the event will take place on May 23rd at the Berglund Center/Special Events Center in Roanoke, starting at 1 p.m. with Fireside Chats, a Business Resource Highway, entrepreneur showcase, and open business pitch competition.
To mark this milestone, the first ever Cross-Regional Entrepreneur Expo will take place leading up to the annual Gauntlet award ceremony where the 2024 participants will find out what they have won. The event will bring together Gauntlet alumni, community leaders, mentors, and business partners for an afternoon of resource discovery, networking, and knowledge sharing. Businesses from over 50 communities across Virginia are invited to join in celebrating the role of entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders in building local economies across the state.
The Entrepreneurial Resource Highway will provide access to regional resources for business development and growth while Fireside Chats cover topics such as marketing, finance, legal and human resources. The Entrepreneur Showcase will feature successful business owners sharing their stories and advice on business building and growth. Outside business owners are also invited to participate in the pitch competition with a few spots still available. This opportunity is complimentary and winners could receive a $1000 award to support their business growth. Interested participants can register at the EXPO Registration Link or www.TheAdvancementFoundation.org
