Practically 50 nearby business owners competing for prize cash to fund their organization idea

VINTON, Va. – Nearly 50 local entrepreneurs submitted their enterprise ideas this week to be judged in the Gauntlet, as they turn into a person action nearer to building their company goals arrive correct. The Gauntlet is the state’s largest organization level of competition program that has helped hundreds of nearby organizations begin or extend in excess of the past 7 decades.

Now, a panel of local small business industry experts and financial leaders will begin studying around their designs, choosing which options have earned a location in the ultimate period of the competitiveness. Finalists will have the possibility to give their enterprise pitch in-particular person in front of the judges.

Tens of thousands of pounds of income and in-form prizes are on the line to aid fund their concept. Finalists will earn the optimum awards. Every single entrepreneur that completed the system will receive a thing to help them commence their enterprise.

A lot more than 100 business people began the 10-week system this calendar year. Shannon Dominguez with the Development Foundation, the nonprofit driving the Gauntlet, reported 49 business people are competing. The vast majority of people were being submitted from business owners in Roanoke City. There are 16 from Roanoke City, 10 from Roanoke County and multiple business people from Botetourt, Bedford, Lexington and Allegheny Highlands.

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Business enterprise suggestions getting pitched this 12 months selection from a selection of industries like retail, agriculture and dining establishments, and are currently being submitted by a variety of individuals — 1 which is only 7-many years-previous, the youngest in Gauntlet historical past. Quite a few corporations, like Woven Artisan Gallery, also feature group give-again themes and aim on company responsibility.

This is the to start with yr the plan has been available in the Bedford spot. Advancement Foundation President Annette Patterson claims they have strategies to proceed to increase throughout the region, especially in the New River Valley following 12 months.

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Winners will be introduced in Could. 10 Information is a proud media sponsor of the Gauntlet.