The Advancement Foundation

04/24/2026

The 12th Annual Gauntlet a d QUEST Awards Ceremony is in the books! The pre-ceremony entrepreneur, expo featured fireside chats in artificial intelligence, investor, readiness, and marketing strategies for growth. Fantastic VIP reception hosted by the Bank of Botetourt was a great time in our new TAPROOM !!!  thanks to all of our phenomenal entrepreneurs, innovators, mentors, sponsors, faculty, partners, and staff!

What a NIGHT!

04/23/2026

Tonight's the night! Join us in Buena Vista for the Cross-Regional Entrepreneurs and Innovators Expo, featuring key businesses from Main Street to technology, services and agriculture. More than 50 entrepreneurs will showcase their products and innovations, and attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite!

We will also be announcing the awards for our two entrepreneurial development programs, The Gauntlet and Quest!

We welcome community leaders, colleges, media, sponsors, industry experts, mentors, aspiring entrepreneurs, as well as program participants and alumni from the past 12 years.

The event will also highlight our newly opened taproom, café, marketplace, and commercial kitchen. Guided tours will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible progress taking place within this reimagined 40,000-square-foot industrial site—now home to Virginia’s Innovation Accelerator.

RSVP Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdZ8OZkAaO1OEsSOCwQP4MtNbDUpfhwS9Nw34uINxCVWXoAQ/viewform

02/23/2026

Always learning, always growing- the mark of a great entrepreneur! Some of our Gauntlet students are going above and beyond. What books are on your business-building bookshelf?

Picked up some inspirational reading to accompany The Gauntlet for the next few weeks. And no, you may not ask how many books I already had on my TBR pile. 😆

02/23/2026

Check out Sip + Sparkle, another Gauntlet business taking things to the next level!

02/21/2026

It's a great week to visit the Alleghany Highlands!

✨🍴 IT’S OFFICIALLY DAY ONE OF RESTAURANT WEEK! 🍴✨

The tables are set.
The specials are ready.
The passports are waiting.

Now we want to hear from YOU! 👇

💬 Drop a comment and tell us:
1️⃣ Where was/is your FIRST stop today?
2️⃣ What menu item are you most excited to try?
3️⃣ Are you Team Breakfast, Team Lunch, Team Dinner, or all three? 😏

🎟 Don’t forget to grab your Restaurant Week Passport at your first stop and start collecting those stickers! Every visit gets you closer to prizes!

Let’s show up big for our local restaurants. Tag your foodie crew and make a plan.

📸 BONUS: Post a picture of your meal today and tag us, we’ll be sharing throughout the week!

02/20/2026

Show some love and support for one of our 2026 Gauntlet participants in the Alleghany Highlands: Lyriks Cafe Check out who they are, what they're doing, and how you can support them!

01/21/2026

This is for entrepreneurs who are building something real.

Quietly.
Imperfectly.

But with care, effort, and a lot of decisions along the way.

For those who are already building something (or are seriously considering taking that step) and want to do it with clarity, support, and momentum.

If you:
• are actively building a business, even in its earliest stages
• are navigating real decisions that shape what comes next
• want guidance from experienced mentors focused on your specific business

—then you’re exactly who the Gauntlet was designed for.

The Gauntlet is an 8-week, mentor-driven program that brings entrepreneurs together with experienced business mentors, practical tools, and a supportive local network—so you’re not figuring everything out alone.

Along the way, participants have access to:
• business education
• direct mentorship
• structured guidance and peer support
• milestone-based resources and recognition
• the opportunity to earn cash and in-kind prizes

What to do next:
Learn more about the 2026 Gauntlet in any of these ways
1. Visit our website https://theadvancementfoundation.org/the-gauntlet

2. Attend our Gauntlet Q&A Session on Tuesday, January 27 at 6:00 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ltEXay9-SOGtEU2od_Y_ow

3. Email our Program Coordinator:[email protected]

Or if you're ready to take the first step on the pathway to growing your business, fill out this Innovator/Entrepreneur Interest Form: https://forms.gle/g5FxMWBxRYA3PD7m8

And if this makes you think of someone else who’s building a business-- or might be ready to-- please share it. Tag them. Invite them to take a look.

11/13/2025

Join us tonight in Clifton Forge!

11/05/2025

🗣️ Your voice matters!
Junction 245 is built with our community, for our community.
Scan the QR code to tell us what events you’d love to see, sign up as a vendor, or share ideas that make Buena Vista shine. ✨

10/09/2025