Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union announces 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 10 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.
2018 Idea Leap Grant Semifinalists
Carter Wexler
Big Frog Brewery
Norma Maloney
LoAdebar
Jenny Whitener
Bridge Innovate
Eric Landrum
Locals Only
Bailey Cole
Cashew Chattanooga
Michael Rice
Mad Priest Coffee
Laurie Stevens
Chattanooga Language
Rachel McCrickard
Motivo
Wendy Halsey-Richardson
Chattanooga’s Healthy Hearing
Joseph Bozich
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Chattanooga
Felicia Jackson
CPR Wrap
Kelly Hailey
Pigtails and Crewcuts
Cynthia Wood
Dipped Fresh
Loren Potter
Potter’s Plumbing and Tile
Amanda Nelson-Varnell
Dish T’Pass
Jennifer Hoff
Skye Strategies
Darin Wright
Elea Blake Cosmetics
Ann Dickerson
Tennessee Moonshine Cakes
Jennifer Strain
Good Fortune Soap
Wendy Buckner
The Hot Chocolatier
Drs. Rebecca and Joe Klein
Inspire Chiropractic