Announcing 21 Idea Leap Grant Semifinalists
August 01, 2018
Entrepreneurs Vie for Five Small Business Grants, Totaling $50,000
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Aug. 1, 2018) — Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the top 21 Idea Leap Grant semifinalists.
“We received applications from more than 200 small businesses throughout our 13-county service area, which is incredible considering it is a newly created initiative,” said Tommy Nix, vice president of business and commercial services at TVFCU. “Our community-based selection committee reviewed the applications and has selected the top 21 businesses.”
The grant initiative is an extension of TVFCU’s Idea Leap Loan Initiative that was created in October 2016. The Idea Leap Loan fills a void in the community for loans up to $50,000 to emerging businesses. Through the Idea Leap Grant Initiative, TVFCU is reinvesting the Idea Leap Loan proceeds back into the community.
During the next round, the grant selection committee will interview the 21 semifinalists. From there, the top ten finalists will pitch their business plans during Startup Week in October. Five businesses will be selected to win one of five grants valued at (1) $20,000, (1) $15,000, (1) $10,000 and (2) $2,500. Full rules and the application are available at tvfcu.com.
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2018 Idea Leap Grant Semifinalists |
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Carter Wexler Big Frog Brewery |
Norma Maloney LoAdebar |
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Jenny Whitener Bridge Innovate |
Eric Landrum Locals Only |
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Bailey Cole Cashew Chattanooga |
Michael Rice Mad Priest Coffee |
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Laurie Stevens Chattanooga Language |
Rachel McCrickard Motivo |
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Wendy Halsey-Richardson Chattanooga’s Healthy Hearing |
Joseph Bozich Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Chattanooga |
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Felicia Jackson CPR Wrap |
Kelly Hailey Pigtails and Crewcuts |
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Cynthia Wood Dipped Fresh |
Loren Potter Potter’s Plumbing and Tile |
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Amanda Nelson-Varnell Dish T’Pass |
Jennifer Hoff Skye Strategies |
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Darin Wright Elea Blake Cosmetics |
Ann Dickerson Tennessee Moonshine Cakes |
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Jennifer Strain Good Fortune Soap |
Wendy Buckner The Hot Chocolatier |
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Drs. Rebecca and Joe Klein Inspire Chiropractic |
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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 139,000 members who live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school throughout the 13-county service community. With more than $1.4 billion in assets and 17 branches throughout the area, TVFCU is the largest credit union in the region. For more information about TVFCU, please visit tvfcu.com.