Chattanooga's biggest credit union has picked the 20 finalists for its annual Idea Leap grants to be awarded during October's Startup Week to help the growth of small businesses in the region.
The Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU), which launched its Idea Leap Loan initiative for small business loans up to $50,000 in October 2016, uses the proceeds from such loans to fund its grants to startup or growing companies showing the most promise for growth with the requested grant money.
"We know that small businesses are the lifeblood of the community," Todd Fortner, president and CEO of TVFCU, said in statement today. "We had an array of small businesses throughout our 13-county service area apply. We are honored to announce the top 20 semifinalist and wish them the best of luck as they showcase their businesses for the Idea Leap Grant selection committee."
During the next round of competition, an independent, volunteer grant selection committee will interview the 20 semifinalists. From there, the top 10 finalists will pitch their business plans on Tuesday, Oct. 22, during Startup Week. Five businesses will be selected to win one of five grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 each. (Full rules are available at tvfcu.com).
Those selected as 2019 finalists include:
- Anchor Family Counseling by Heather Carver
- Live and Let Live by Virgil McGee Sr.
- Blades Creative by Gabrielle Blades
- Mathnasium by Alex Guppy
- Chambers Welding by Chanda Maldonado
- Peak Performance by Denise Rice
- Chatta Cakes by Shannon Anderson
- Reel Roots by Matthew Lake
- Chattanooga Web Design by Christian Webber
- REV Optimal by Matt Smith
- Cognitive Learning by Michelle Davis
- Rustic House by Emily Warr
- Elea Blake by Darin Wright
- Sleep in a Tree by Enoch Elwell
- Goins Creations by Rebecca Houk
- Southern Rehab by Trace Kennemore
- Hanks Corner Grill by Doug Hankins
- Spectacles by Karen LeBlanc
- Hutton and Smith by Melanie Krautstrunk
- Terra Running by Brittany Durkin.