January 30, 2026
Idea Leap Competition Announces 2026 Semifinalists
Luke Pippenger
The excitement is building as the 9th Annual Idea Leap Grant Competition moves into its next phase. After a highly competitive review process, we are proud to announce the businesses that have been selected to advance as semifinalists.
Each year, Idea Leap highlights innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs across our region. The selected businesses are competing to win a total of $225,000 in grant money to improve their businesses. Narrowing the field is never easy, and this year’s applicants made the decision especially tough. These semifinalists stood out for their vision, impact, and potential for growth.
What’s Next?
The next step in the competition is People’s Choice Voting, giving the community a chance to support their favorite businesses.
Voting begins March 30 and ends April 3 — stay tuned for details on how to cast your vote!
Finalists will be announced on April 7.
Be sure to follow us on social media for voting information, business spotlights, and competition updates.
2026 Idea Leap Semifinalists
Chattanooga Region
- Terrance Locke — Chef Express
- Devin Chapnick — Convenient Cocktail Co.
- Laurie Bizzell — Little Tail Farms
- Mindy Benton — Mindy B’s Deli
- Chelsea Moore — Scenic City Arborists
- Michalle Morris — Scenic City Wellness, LLC
- Shaquille Holland — Shaqs Mobile Detailing
- John Lindsay — Southside Vet Clinic
- Yashic Ransom — Windy City Eatz
- Ben VanderHart — Yellow Racket Records
Ocoee Region
- Toni Leverett — Bradley Tree Service
- Sarah Berry — Copperhill Brewery
- Christine Armao — First Bloom Coffee and Bakery
- Summer Strickland — Fitted Stitches
- Renee Hunt — Heat N Eat (Hunt Family Foods)
- Kayla Brown — Integrated Solutions of TN LLC
- Mona Goforth — Mona & Larry’s
- Bryan Clary — Polk Physical Therapy
- Luda Osborne — Quality Cleaning Services
- Rachel Brewer — The Drug Store Benton LLC
Northwest Georgia Region
- Gary Gilbert — Band Instrument Repair Academy
- Suceli Monzon — Estelas Taqueria
- Jessica Patterson — Grace Hair Company LLC
- Kyle Barksdale — KB Pressure Washing Inc.
- Jen Richards — Lookout Mountain Flight Park, Inc.
- Nathan Kourmoulis — Made By Kourmoulis LLC
- Mayelli Meza — Mayelli Meza
- Erin Durant — Ragged Oak Farm, LLC
- Zack Townsend — Rise Wellness LLC
- Jimmy Stout — Southeastern Swallowing / Stout Healthcare
