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 22, 2027
5:30 - 8:30
Virginia Innovation Accelerator
245 W 21st St
Buena Vista, VA
The Advancement Foundation’s Cross-Regional Entrepreneur & Innovator Expo, including the 2027 Quest and Gauntlet Awards Ceremony, will be held on Thursday, April 22 at the Virginia Innovation Accelerator in Buena Vista.
Stay tuned for more information.
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
Entrepreneurs
Start-Ups
Innovators
Business Owners
Community IGNITERS
Government
Higher Education
Resource Agencies
IGNITER Resources
Mentors
Sponsors
Angel Investors