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.
Upcoming Events
Cross-Regional Entrepreneur and Innovators Expo
Thursday, April 23
4:00 pm Fireside Chats
5:00 pm VIP Reception
Entrepreneurial Showcase
6:00 pm Awards Ceremony
Virginia Innovation Accelerator
245 W 21st St
Buena Vista, VA
The Advancement Foundation’s Cross-Regional Entrepreneur & Innovator Expo, including the 2026 Quest and Gauntlet Awards Ceremony, will be held on Thursday, April 23 at the Virginia Innovation Accelerator in Buena Vista.
Please join us! RSVP here: https://forms.gle/Px3ni2EWArZyuJ9v5
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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Mentors
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