WFXR Living Local - The Advancement Foundation’s Gauntlet business program thrives through mentorship
Roanoke, VA (WFXR) — Over the past month on Living Local we have introduced viewers to current and past participants of the Advancement Foundation’s Gauntlet business program for entrepreneurs.
This week, we spotlight Jennifer Eddy of the Eddy Alexander Firm. Eddy, an international award-winning Marketing Strategist has offered her expertise and been involved with the Gauntlet since its inception. She’s played various roles as faculty, a mentor, as well as a sponsor.
Eddy voices the importance of fortifying the community as well as the value of in-kind prizes for Gauntlet participants.
“When I moved to the Roanoke region I very quickly developed a passion for economic development and recognized that if I loved living here and I wanted my kids to love living here as much as I did long-term, I would need to participate in helping grow the economy in some capacity. The Gauntlet gave me an opportunity to give back and provide leadership and guidance in ways that I wish were available to me when I was first getting started with our organization.”
JENNIFER EDDY, EDDY ALEXANDER FIRM
Eddy has been instrumental in mentoring entrepreneurs in the Gauntlet program, recognizing that her knowledge and know-how can be that voice of reassurance and help entrepreneurs stay on track.
“The Gauntlet is amazing. It’s not just for tech companies or retail companies and manufacturers. The program has helped all of those kinds of businesses grow and thrive in our region and I believe many of them wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the Gauntlet. It’s been incredible to help mentor some of those business owners, to answer questions when they don’t know the answer, and often, to just provide reassurance if they’re on the right track when they’re feeling uneasy. There’s a number of businesses that have not only started and done very well but have become anchors in our community.”
JENNIFER EDDY, EDDY ALEXANDER FIRM
Anyone who thinks that they can help or offer beneficial services to business entrepreneurs shouldn’t shy away from reaching out to the Advancement Foundation. Eddy says, “giving back goes both ways.”
“I’ve learned as much from the businesses that I’ve gotten to meet and support through this process as I hope that I’ve given them and I want to encourage all of the businesses in the community to get involved. If you don’t have money to make a cash donation, you can get involved as an instructor or a mentor. If you want to observe or you want to support the process another way, then talk to the Advancement Foundation staff. They have created a number of on-ramps and at the end of the day, this isn’t about supporting my business or another, this is really about helping to fortify our community and make where we live a better place to live and work.”
JENNIFER EDDY, EDDY ALEXANDER FIRM
This year’s 6th annual Gauntlet award ceremony and graduation will take place virtually. You can be a part of that celebration by donating in-kind prizes or tuning in to the watch party on Thursday, June 25th at 6:00 pm. For more information, click here.
Original article found here.
