Innovation and Entrepreneurship Resources

  1. Startups and Small Businesses
  2. Phase 2 & High-Growth Business Scaling
  3. Co-working & Incubation Spaces


Roanoke Regional 
Small Business Development Center
RoanokeRegion_3c_rgb Opens in new windowThe Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a resource for entrepreneurs anywhere in the pipeline. Whether you are in the beginning stages of starting your business or are ready to expand, the Roanoke Regional SBDC provides one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and technical assistance proven to grow your business.

Get Started Here

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The Advancement Foundation
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The Advancement Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides infrastructure, support, and business assistance resources to create an effective local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Advancement Foundation has numerous initiatives such as The GAUNTLET business development program & competition, the Innovation Mill, the HIVE business incubation center, Biz NATION, and more.

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The GAUNTLET
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The GAUNTLET is Virginia’s Largest Business Program and Competition. It is a 12-week business development cohort and system that connects entrepreneurs to the training, mentorship, and resources needed for success.

Over 525 GAUNTLET alumni have received more than $1 million in cash and in-kind prizes over the past 6 years. 

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The Innovation Mill
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The Innovation Mill’s mission is to increase the number of potential high growth companies across the commonwealth. The program is designed to increase business readiness, innovation, and success for new/early-stage high growth potential companies. Program participants are led through Research and Development, proof of concept, customer discovery, scalability models, investment potential, capital opportunities, and one-on-one industry expert mentors.

The HIVE Business Incubation Center

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HIVE, or the Home of Innovative & Visionary Entrepreneurs, business incubation center offers low-cost office space to entrepreneurs and small businesses in tiered membership options.

Biz NATION
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This platform is designed to expand access to resources and connect entrepreneurs to a network of like-minded individuals and mentors across local, regional, and state communities.

Get Started Here


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SCORE
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The SCORE Association “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association comprised of 13,000+ volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories.

Small businesses can receive technical assistance and guidance from trained SCORE mentors at no cost to the small business. 





Additional Resources


Virginia Western Community College - Entrepreneurship Plus program

The Entrepreneurship Plus program at Virginia Western Community College prepares you to start your own business. Begin your journey today to a career that gives you opportunity and flexibility and lets you be the boss.

Learn More Here


Institute for Entrepreneurial Learning (IEL) at Hollins University

Fosters creative and innovative thinking and provides students and businesses with the resources needed to develop an entrepreneurial outlook across all disciplines.

Learn More Here

 

Roanoke College Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurial Innovation (CLEI)

The CLEI “inspires innovation through education” and assists students with discovering their vocational passions and interests. 

Learn More Here