2019 Idea Leap Semifinalist Announcement
7/22/2019
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 22, 2019) — Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the top 20 Idea Leap Grant semifinalists for 2019.
“We know that small businesses are lifeblood of the community,” said Todd Fortner, president and CEO, TVFCU. “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.”
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, an independent, volunteer grant selection committee will interview the 20 semifinalists. From there, the top ten finalists will pitch their business plans on Tuesday, Oct. 22, during Startup Week. 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 are available at tvfcu.com.
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2019 Idea Leap Grant Semifinalists |
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Anchor Family Counseling Heather Carver Cleveland, Tenn. |
Live and Let Live Virgil McGee Sr. Chattanooga, Tenn. |
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Blades Creative Gabrielle Blades Chattanooga, Tenn. |
Mathnasium Alex Guppy Chattanooga, Tenn. |
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Chambers Welding Chanda Maldonado Chattanooga, Tenn. |
Peak Performance Denise Rice Chattanooga, Tenn. |
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Chatta Cakes Shannon Anderson Hixson, Tenn. |
Reel Roots Matthew Lake Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. |
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Chattanooga Web Design Christian Webber Chattanooga, Tenn. |
REV Optimal Matt Smith Chattanooga, Tenn. |
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Cognitive Learning Michelle Davis Chattanooga, Tenn. |
Rustic House Emily Warr Chattanooga, Tenn. |
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Elea Blake Darin Wright Chattanooga, Tenn. |
Sleep in a Tree Enoch Elwell Flintstone, Ga. |
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Goins Creations Rebecca Houk Athens, Tenn. |
Southern Rehab Trace Kennemore Kimball, Tenn. |
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Hanks Corner Grill Doug Hankins Tracy City, Tenn. |
Spectacles Karen LeBlanc South Pittsburg, Tenn. |
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Hutton and Smith Melanie Krautstrunk Chattanooga, Tenn. |
Terra Running Brittany Durkin Cleveland, Tenn. |