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Innovation and Entrepreneurship Resources
Small Business Development Center
The Advancement Foundation | 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. |
The GAUNTLET | 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. |
The Innovation Mill | 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 | 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 | 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. |
Virginia Small Business Development Center | The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides counseling, training, and programs to help propel business owners further down the development pipeline and ultimately grow their business. The Virginia SBDC offers resources and programs such as the Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP), International Business Development Program, resources for Retail and Restaurants, and more. |
The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council | |
RBTC is a member-driven association working to promote the growth of the Roanoke-Blacksburg technology community. RBTC is a business resource for technology entrepreneurs and companies seeking to achieve greater success. RBTC provides programs and services including the Regional Accelerator & Mentorship Program (RAMP), and more. | |
RAMP | For entrepreneurs anywhere in the pipeline, if you are building a technology-based business with high-growth potential then RAMP wants to connect you to regional resources. Their monthly Pitch & Polish clinics can provide valuable feedback on your research or idea if you are early stage. |
The Williamson is a coworking office space that offers desk hotels, private offices, a conference room, and a shared workspace to collaborate with your team. The Williamson is powered by The Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association |
@lt Offices | Alt Offices (stylized as @alt Offices) is a new co-working space offering a variety of office space rentals. Options include dedicated desks and private offices that are furnished, offer 24-hour access, includes utilities, off-street parking, a physical address mailbox, and a network color printer/scanner. Premium options are also available. |
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.
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.
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.