For TVFCU’s 6th Annual Idea Leap Grant, the credit union is awarding a total of $175,000 in grants to local small business owners in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Entrepreneurs will participate in regional pitch competitions during the second week in May, each taking home a grant between $10,000 and $30,000.
“Since the inception of the Idea Leap Grant in 2018, we have awarded over $300,000 in grants and scholarships to dozens of outstanding small businesses in our area,” said Tommy Nix, vice president of business and commercial services. “This year, for the first time ever, we’ve expanded the Idea Leap Grant into three regional competitions – in the Chattanooga, Cleveland and Northwest Georgia areas – to ensure that the program’s impact is felt across TVFCU’s 17-county service area.”
TVFCU is hosting three pitch competitions in which small business owners will discuss their businesses and present their plans for expansion before volunteer panels of community judges. Collaborators from each community are hosting receptions before each pitch night with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music and networking.
The credit union is also hosting an educational luncheon in Chattanooga that is geared toward seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. All events are open to the public. For a complete list of small business finalists, event details and to RSVP, please visit tvfcu.com/idealeap.
