The Advancement Foundation

Fueling Entrepreneurial Growth & Innovation
in Virginia Communities

We connect entrepreneurs and innovators with

practical programs, trusted mentors, and access to resources

that help businesses move forward

The Advancement Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening local economies by supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Through proven programs, meaningful connections, and place-based investment, we help businesses start, stabilize, and scale.

Programs


Ideal for ventures pursuing scalable models, innovation, or regional and national markets.

Accelerator-style support for high-growth ventures, offering expert guidance, strategic insight, and connections to help founders scale with intention.

The Quest

Ideal for entrepreneurs launching or strengthening a Main Street or local-market business.

A cohort-based program that helps founders move from idea to action through guided learning, mentorship, accountability, and access to practical resources.

The Gauntlet

Places

  • Virginia Innovation Accelerator

    BUENA VISTA, VA

    VIA is a multi-use innovation hub offering business acceleration alongside flexible manufacturing and product-development space for entrepreneurs

  • Junction 245 Marketplace

    BUENA VISTA, VA

    A marketplace and community hub where local makers and entrepreneurs showcase their products, refine their brands, and grow their businesses.

  • VIA Kitchen

    BUENA VISTA, VA

    A shared commercial kitchen offering modern production space for food manufacturers, caterers, and culinary creators to scale, innovate, and expand.

Upcoming Events

Regional Innovation Networking

Thursday, February 12
5:30-7:30 pm
VMI Campus, Lexington, VA

These networking events bring together entrepreneurs, mentors, and community partners for connection that leads to action, not just conversation. Each gathering features a live challenge session where a local entrepreneur shares a real business issue and the group collaborates on ideas, resources, and next steps. It’s also a low-pressure way to learn more about The Advancement Foundation programs, including The Quest and The Gauntlet.

Here are some directions from Cliff West, our VMI host, to help you navigate to the event location if you are unfamiliar with the campus:

Use the entrance across from the football field … accessible (left turn) from northbound Rte. 11. This is not the intersection with lights but about 150 yards north of there. Go up the entrance road and take the first “hard” right down to a large parking lot (park here). Scott Shipp Hall is the academic building with the large windows and glass doors across from the Mess Hall (Crozet Hall). Scott Shipp 163 is the first room on the right as you pass through the entrance doors. Parking permits are not needed during the evening.

Gauntlet Alumni Spotlight

GAUNTLET alumni Richard Mansell & the IVO Team are doing some out of this world projects. Check out the IVO Quantum Drive video about his latest project.


ENGAGE YOUR GEAR

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Business Owners

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Government

Higher Education

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Mentors

Sponsors

Angel Investors