Celebrating Local Innovation: Honoring Winners of the Ninth Annual Idea Leap Grant Pitch Competition

For nine years, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union’s (TVFCU) Idea Leap Grant program has connected local entrepreneurs with funding to help turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses. As TVFCU celebrates 90 years of serving the Tennessee Valley, the credit union continues its commitment to supporting small businesses and strengthening local communities through programs like Idea Leap.

Since its launch, the Idea Leap Grant program has invested more than $1 million in local businesses. This year, TVFCU awarded $225,000 in grants to 15 businesses across the Chattanooga, Ocoee and Northwest Georgia regions.

Spotlight on Chattanooga’s 2026 Idea Leap Grant Winners

This year’s Chattanooga Idea Leap Grant Pitch Night brought together five innovative local businesses, each presenting its vision to a panel of volunteer judges.

Reflecting on the experience, Windy City Eatz owner Yashic “Sheka” Ransom said, “It helped me think about how to take my business to the next level. If I had the opportunity to do it again, I definitely would.”

From creating jobs and mentoring young people to supporting local artists and giving back to the community, each winner is helping shape Chattanooga’s future.

Windy City Eatz: Taking home the top prize of $30,000, Windy City Eatz brings authentic Chicago flavors to Chattanooga through its food truck, restaurant and catering business. Founded by Sheka Ransom in 2021, the business grew from a lifelong passion for cooking and a desire to share a taste of her hometown with the community. Beyond serving great food, Windy City Eatz supports youth programs, mentors aspiring chefs and partners with local organizations. Grant funds will be used to purchase and customize a catering van, allowing the business to expand operations, create jobs and increase community outreach.

Shaq’s Mobile Detailing: Earning the second-place award of $15,000, Shaq’s Mobile Detailing has become one of Chattanooga’s leading mobile detailing companies since opening in 2019. Beyond detailing vehicles, owner Shaquille Holland supports local athletes and charitable initiatives throughout the region. Grant funds will support the addition of a second detailing van, upgraded technology and the launch of a youth apprenticeship program designed to provide hands-on training for young adults.

Chef Express: Chef Express operates a food truck, catering company and restaurant on UTC’s West Campus, serving customers across Chattanooga while creating opportunities for students and young professionals. What started as cooking for family has grown into a thriving culinary business fueled by community support. The $10,000 grant will be used to install solar panels on the company’s food truck, creating a more sustainable operation while reducing long-term operating costs.

Mindy B’s Deli: For nearly 14 years, Mindy B’s Deli has served made-from-scratch sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts while building a reputation for community involvement and local partnerships. Owner Mindy Blevins has spent years supporting nonprofits, first responders and fellow small businesses throughout Chattanooga. The $10,000 grant will help fund the deli’s expansion into an adjacent suite, creating additional space to serve customers and continue growing as a community gathering place.

Yellow Racket Records: Since opening in 2020, Yellow Racket Records has become a gathering place for Chattanooga’s music community, offering more than 13,000 records while hosting live performances, listening parties and artist events. Founded by Ben VanderHart, the store continues to support local artists while attracting music lovers from across the region. The $10,000 grant will help expand retail and storage space while supporting programming that creates additional opportunities for musicians and music fans alike.

Entrepreneurs in the Northwest Georgia and Ocoee regions also were recognized through this year’s competition. Watch the Northwest Georgia Idea Leap Grant Competition and Ocoee Idea Leap Grant Competition to hear directly from the winners and learn more about the innovative businesses making an impact across the region.

Through the Idea Leap Grant program, TVFCU continues to support local entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses, create jobs, strengthen their communities and make a lasting impact across the region.

For more information about Idea Leap, visit tvfcu.com/idea-leap.