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Vinton, Virginia-based nonprofit The Advancement Foundation is growing a small-business and community development structure that now encompasses 650 program alumni and more than 200 mentors and industry experts. The work began with a local Community Business Launch (CBL)-funded competition, and since, The Gauntlet has grown in reach and resources, serving 150 entrepreneurs this year.

"We see ourselves as the wide-end of the funnel," says founder Annette Patterson. "We\'ve uncovered incredible talent in the most rural of areas across our region." Learn more about the organization, the program and the layering of DHCD resources in this episode of the podcast.