Pictured are budding entrepreneurs from the Alleghany Highlands who competed in The Gauntlet Program in 2020. Graduates of the program can earn college credit from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College.
‘The Gauntlet’ Alums May Earn College Credit at DSLCC
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College is offering 3 college credits to anyone who has completed the Advancement Foundation’s The Gauntlet Business Program and Competition, a comprehensive business development program that has helped several entrepreneurs establish new business ventures in the Alleghany Highlands.
The Gauntlet alumni may earn credit for BUS 100, “Introduction to Business,” according to Rachael Thompson, head of the DSLCC Business Program. “Intro to Business” is the first class toward receiving one or more DSLCC business credentials, such as the Business Management Associate of Applied Science Degree, Small Business Management Certificate or the Office Skills Career Studies Certificate. A complete list of credentials can be found on the DSLCC website at www.dslcc.edu.
The Gauntlet offers a high quality, comprehensive program, including education on such topics as business development, planning, marketing, sales, operations, networking, and budgeting, she noted. The capstone to The Gauntlet is the compilation of a full business plan. According to the Advancement Foundation, The Gauntlet is Virginia’s largest business program and competition.
In the Alleghany Highlands, the Gauntlet program has served 89 participants and helped launched a total of 64 businesses, according to Annette Patterson, president of the Advancement Foundation.
“The Advancement Foundation recognizes the significant role that DSLCC plays in the Alleghany, Rockbridge and Bath communities,” commented Patterson. “We are extremely proud of our partnership and value DSLCC’s innovative and entrepreneurial leadership team. The opportunity for our graduates to obtain college credit is a phenomenal way to link business development, economic revitalization and education in the real world.”
“DSLCC’s partnership with the Gauntlet has been a great opportunity for our business programs,” noted Dr. Ben Worth, DSLCC’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Our faculty has provided training to Gauntlet participants; our students have been able to learn firsthand about entrepreneurship and business ownership.”
Addressing Gauntlet alums, Thompson says: “I welcome you to join us at DSLCC to continue your business education, propel your career and business to the next level, and enjoy a solid return on your investment.”
For more information, please contact Thompson at rthompson@dslcc.edu or (540) 863-2890.