Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) has announced the finalists for its 9th Annual Idea Leap Grant, with $225,000 in funding set to be awarded to small business owners across Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. The program continues to spotlight innovative startups and growing businesses while investing directly in the region’s economic development.
“Our Idea Leap program has invested nearly $1 million in grants and scholarships since its launch in 2018, supporting dozens of outstanding small businesses across our region,” said Ryan Henn, vice president of business and commercial services. “After this year’s competition, we will surpass that $1 million milestone, and we’re excited to see what’s next as we continue to invest in the success of local entrepreneurs.”
This year’s competition will feature three regional pitch events. The Northwest Georgia and Ocoee competitions will air on Local 3 News, offering broader visibility for participating businesses, while the Chattanooga regional event will take place live at The Signal.
Leading up to the Chattanooga Pitch Competition, Chambliss will host the Chambliss Startup Social, a pre-event reception designed to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders for an evening of networking, music, food, and drinks.
Each regional competition will award a grand prize of $30,000, and all finalists will walk home with at least $10,000.
Northwest Georgia Region Finalists:
- Lookout Mountain Flight Park (People’s Choice Winner)
- Grace Hair Company
- KB Pressure Washing
- Made by Kourmoulis
- Rise Wellness
Ocoee Region Finalists:
- Mona and Larry’s (People’s Choice Winner)
- Bradley Tree Service
- Copperhill Brewery
- Heat N Eat / Hunt Family Foods
- Polk Physical Therapy
Chattanooga Region Finalists:
- Yellow Racket Records (People’s Choice Winner)
- Chef Express
- Mindy B’s Deli
- Shaq’s Mobile Detailing
- Windy City Eatz
2026 Idea Leap Grant Events Include:
Northwest Georgia Region Airing:
- Date: Monday, May 4
- Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Place: Local 3 News
Ocoee Region Airing:
- Date: Tuesday, May 5
- Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Place: On Local 3 News
Chattanooga Pitch Night:
Chambliss Startup Social
- Date: Thursday, May 7
- Time: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
- Place: The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402
Chambliss will provide food and drinks in a lively atmosphere with music and networking.
Chattanooga Pitch Competition
- Date: Thursday, May 7
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
- Place: The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402
- RSVP Here
For more information about the Idea Leap Grant, please visit tvfcu.com/IdeaLeap
About Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU), a not-for-profit financial cooperative, was established in 1936 when 57 Chattanooga TVA employees pooled $500 to create the member-owned credit union. Today, TVFCU serves more than 175,000 members who live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school throughout the 17-county service community. With more than $3.2 billion in assets and 29 branches throughout the area, TVFCU is the largest credit union in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. For more information about TVFCU, please visit tvfcu.com.
About TVFCU’s Idea Leap Grant
The Idea Leap Grant Initiative is an extension of TVFCU’s Idea Leap Loan Initiative that was created in October 2016. The Idea Leap Loan fills a community funding gap by providing loans of up to $75,000 to emerging businesses. Through the Idea Leap Grant Initiative, TVFCU is reinvesting Idea Leap Loan proceeds back into the community
