Entrepreneurs in Roanoke County and Botetourt County have competed in The Advancement Foundation’s Third Annual Gauntlet Business Competition.

The Gauntlet program attracted 84 entrepreneurs, representing 54 businesses that will open or expand in Roanoke County or Botetourt County; 34 of these businesses will compete for over $200,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.

The Gauntlet Awards Ceremony will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, May 11 at the Vinton War Memorial. The event is open to the public.

The program is funded by the Governor’s Building Collaborative Communities grant through the Department of Housing and Community Development and is led by The Advancement Foundation along with many local businesses that have donated cash and in-kind products and services to be awarded.