June 22, 2026
TVFCU Honored to Be Recognized as an Arts Supportive Business
Abbey Butte
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) is honored to be recognized as an Arts Supportive Business through Culture Works, an initiative led by ArtsBuild that connects local businesses with Chattanooga’s arts and culture community.
While this recognition celebrates support for the arts, it also reflects a shared belief that strong communities and local economies are built by investing in people, ideas and opportunities. At TVFCU, we recognize that entrepreneurship takes many forms, including artists, makers and creative business owners whose work contributes to economic growth across our region.
Supporting Entrepreneurs Across the Region
Supporting entrepreneurs and investing in local growth have long been part of TVFCU’s mission. Through its Idea Leap program, TVFCU provides access to capital and opportunity through small business loans and annual grant funding designed to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their ideas.
Since 2016, the Idea Leap Grant Competition has supported nearly 90 businesses and invested approximately $1.2 million through grants and scholarships, helping strengthen local economies across Chattanooga, Ocoee and Northwest Georgia. Alongside Idea Leap and continued investment in local businesses and community initiatives, TVFCU remains committed to creating pathways for innovation and economic mobility.
Spotlight on ArtsBuild Periscope
TVFCU’s commitment to entrepreneurship extends beyond traditional business sectors. As the presenting sponsor of ArtsBuild’s 2026 Periscope CHA Pitch Night and Entrepreneur Expo, TVFCU helped support a program that equips artists and creative entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build sustainable businesses. The program culminated in a pitch competition where participants showcased the entrepreneurial skills they developed through a year-long training experience focused on viewing creative work through a business-minded lens.
This year’s first-place winner, Matt Eslinger of Chattanooga-based stop-motion animation studio The Skeleton Key Workshop, was awarded $5,000 to continue growing his business. Through his studio, Eslinger creates animation, music videos and promotional content for businesses and organizations. Winners were selected by a panel of community leaders, including TVFCU Director of Corporate Engagement Marcus Cade-Johnson.
Reflecting on the impact of the program, ArtsBuild President James McKissic said, “These passionate artist entrepreneurs represent the vibrant arts and culture sector in Chattanooga. We are thrilled to celebrate their creativity and innovation, and we’re grateful to TVFCU for sharing our vision by investing in these creators.”
Artists and creative industries are often overlooked as drivers of business and economic development, but they play an important role in creating vibrant places to live, work and grow. Through grants, education and opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, ArtsBuild helps strengthen Chattanooga’s creative economy and contributes to long-term community growth.
TVFCU is proud to support organizations that invest in local talent and create opportunities across our region. We look forward to supporting entrepreneurs and innovators in every form while remaining committed to helping people and communities thrive.
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