Advancement Foundation: Virginia Innovation Accelerator In Buena Vista Phase 2 Complete   Buena Vista, VA (Nov. 26, 2025) — The Advancement Foundation (TAF), a leading force in business acceleration and regional innovation across Southwest Virginia, proudly announces the completion of Phase 2 of the Virginia Innovation Accelerator, a transformative redevelopment of a once-defunct 40,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Buena Vista. Over the past three years, TAF has raised $2.5 million to reactivate this critical space, catalyzing entrepreneurship, economic development, and community revitalization. As part of the celebration, TAF will host a ribbon-cutting and reception on Wednesday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m. The event will feature facility tours, the grand opening of the new marketplace, and stories from entrepreneurs whose businesses are growing through the Accelerator. A Hub for Innovation, Growth, and Community The new reimagined plant features multiple dynamic spaces designed to support early-stage and high-growth companies, including: • Junction 245 Marketplace, CafĂ© & Taproom, now home to more than 20 local merchants • A fully equipped commercial kitchen for food-based ventures • Dedicated business acceleration and coworking space • Manufacturing bays designed for prototyping and scaling production • Buena Vista Visitor Center Together, these spaces form a vibrant ecosystem where entrepreneurs can access programming, resources, equipment, space and mentorship. A Proven Leader in Business Development For more than 13 years, The Advancement Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic opportunity in Central & Southwest Virginia. Its flagship program, The Gauntlet, has become Virginia’s largest business program and competition, supporting hundreds of startups and small businesses each year. Building on this success, TAF recently launched The QUEST, a new business competition focused specifically on high-growth and technology-driven startups. With a powerful network of more than 300 industry experts and mentors, TAF has served over 1,200 entrepreneurs and innovators, helping turn ideas into thriving enterprises. A Community-Driven Vision Brought to Life The Virginia Innovation Accelerator stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. Partners from economic development support agencies including DHCD, VHDA, Go Virginia Region 8, USDA, ARC, IRF, local governments-Buena Vista, Rockbridge County and Lexington, and regional institutions of higher education including Virginia Military Institute, Washington and Lee University, Southern Virginia University, and Mountain Gateway Community College—all played a role in bringing the project to life. Numerous corporate sponsors and community partners also contributed. "This project has truly been a stone soup moment," said Annette Patterson, President of The Advancement Foundation. "It reflects the collective vision, creativity, and determination of an entire community working together to ignite economic prosperity in rural Virginia." Join the Celebration The Advancement Foundation invites the public, partners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to celebrate this milestone: Ribbon Cutting & Reception Wednesday, December 3 • 5:00 p.m. Virginia Innovation Accelerator 245 W. 21st Street Buena Vista, Virginia Guests will enjoy tours of the facility, opportunities to meet local business owners, and an inside look at the marketplace and innovation spaces now open for business.

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