2026 Idea Leap Winners Announced

During National Small Business Week, May 3-9, TVFCU awarded $225,000 in grants to 15 local entrepreneurs through its ninth annual Idea Leap Grant Competition. This year, TVFCU surpassed $1 million in total grants awarded through the Idea Leap program.

More than 420 businesses applied in fall 2025. Applicants advanced through rounds of written applications, video submissions and site visits before reaching the final stage of the competition. The pitch events marked the finale of a rigorous, months-long process for entrepreneurs across TVFCU’s 17-county service area.

“It was a fun experience learning about new ways to build and advocate for our business,” said Nathan Kourmoulis, owner of Made by Kourmoulis. “The process encouraged us to think more strategically about our growth and finances.”

Five finalists from each region — Ocoee, Northwest Georgia and Chattanooga — gathered last week to compete for the $30,000 grand prize in their respective regions. The competitors reflected the diversity and creativity of the local entrepreneurial community, representing industries ranging from restaurants and food preparation companies to airplane detailing, record stores, hang-gliding excursions and hair extensions.

The Ocoee and Northwest Georgia competitions took place at the Local 3 studio and aired on Chattanooga’s lifestyle show, “3 Plus You.” Family members and friends gathered behind the scenes for live watch parties, cheering on competitors in real time. Business owners delivered their pitches before judges and cameras, each hoping to claim the top prize.

Heat N Eat, an allergy-friendly food prep business and restaurant in Cleveland, won the Ocoee region grand prize. Business owner Renee Hunt said her winnings are already being put to work.

“We are in the hiring process, are ordering smart coolers, and are getting store signage designed and created,” said Hunt. “We are working closely with our first community partner, the YMCA, to put in our first coolers.”

Other winners are also putting their grant funding to work.

“We are so thankful for our winnings,” said Jen Richards, general manager of Lookout Mountain Flight Park and second place winner from Northwest Georgia. “They have enabled us to invest more in our business. We are already training two new employees!”

The energy peaked during the final pitch night of the week, when the five Chattanooga region finalists took the stage at The Signal. Unlike the previous competitions, Chattanooga finalists pitched under spotlights before a packed crowd. Cheers and confetti filled the venue as Yashic (Sheka) Ransom of Windy City Eatz LLC received the region’s $30,000 grand prize.

“The grant process was challenging, long and also rewarding,” said Ransom. “It showed me I can do anything I put my mind to. If I had the opportunity to do it again, I definitely would!”

Ransom will be using her grant money to purchase a catering van and develop a new catering sector of Windy City Eatz.

Second-place winners in each region received $15,000, while runners-up were awarded $10,000 each.

The 2026 TVFCU Idea Leap Grant Competition now concludes as anticipation builds for next year’s milestone 10th annual competition. For small-business owners considering applying next year, Sheka Ransom offered words of encouragement:

“Have confidence in yourself, have confidence in your business and apply. Anything worth having is worth going through all the pressure to make your dreams come true.”

To stay informed on next year’s competition, subscribe to TVFCU’s e-newsletter. Applications will open in the fall.

All 2026 winners are listed below:

Chattanooga Region

• Grand Prize: Windy City Eatz
• Second Place: Shaq’s Mobile Detailing
• Runners Up: Chef Express, Mindy B’s Deli, Yellow Racket Records

Ocoee Region

• Grand Prize: Heat N Eat
• Second Place: Polk Physical Therapy
• Runners Up: Bradley Tree Service, Copperhill Brewery, Mona & Larry’s

Northwest Georgia Region

• Grand Prize: Rise Wellness
• Second Place: Lookout Mountain Flight Park
• Runners Up: Grace Hair Co., KB Pressure Washing, Made by Kourmoulis