Idea Leap Grant Program

The Idea Leap Grant Program, presented by Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, is designed to support small businesses within the credit union’s 17-county service area across Tennessee and Georgia. Established to strengthen community entrepreneurship, the program provides financial resources to businesses that are positioned for growth but need an additional boost to expand. TVFCU has run the Idea Leap initiative for several years and continues to refine the contest to ensure that funds reach promising enterprises that contribute to the local economy. By providing both direct financial assistance and technical support, the program helps business owners move from stability to growth. The grant’s purpose is to fund small business development across diverse sectors, recognizing that early-stage growth often requires outside support. Winners receive unrestricted funds that may be applied to operating expenses, expansion, hiring, or other lawful and strategic business needs. Awards are disbursed via direct deposit into a TVFCU business account, ensuring that the funds are placed directly into the financial operations of the winning businesses. In addition to financial awards, the program connects winners with technical assistance providers and business coaches to strengthen their long-term sustainability. The program operates through three local contests in the Chattanooga area, the Ocoee region, and northwest Georgia. Each contest produces five winners: one grand prize award of $30,000, one first prize award of $15,000, and three runner-up awards of $10,000 each. Winners in all three regions are required to participate in at least one session with a technical assistance provider or a designated pitch coach. These sessions may involve organizations such as Launch Chattanooga, Tennessee Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, the Urban League, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Veteran Entrepreneurship Program. Eligibility is strictly defined. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to represent a lawful, for-profit business domiciled in the TVFCU 17-county service area. The business must have been operational for at least 12 months, employ between two and twenty-five people, and generate less than $2.5 million in annual revenue. Businesses must be in good standing with state or county authorities, hold all necessary licenses, and not be under bankruptcy protection. Nonprofit organizations, direct seller businesses, and companies affiliated with contest organizers or their immediate families are not eligible. Previous top winners are also excluded from reapplying. The application process requires completion of an online application available through the TVFCU website by October 27, 2025. Applicants must provide general business information, contact details, financial statements for 2023 and 2024 if they reach quarterfinalist status, and responses to narrative-based questions. Quarterfinalists must also submit a short video presentation. Semifinalists undergo site visits, and finalists are selected by a combination of committee evaluation and public voting. All finalists then present their pitches live or virtually during National Small Business Week in spring 2026. The evaluation process emphasizes readiness for growth, business viability, and community impact. The program timeline is structured to ensure rigorous evaluation. Applications close on October 27, 2025, followed by quarterfinalist selection in November and December. Finalist pitches are scheduled between late April and early May 2026. Winners are announced during National Small Business Week in spring 2026. The program is recurring on an annual basis, with the next anticipated cycle opening in fall 2026. TVFCU’s Idea Leap program therefore serves as a recurring funding opportunity for local businesses, combining financial grants with mentorship and visibility. For questions, applicants can contact the Business and Commercial Services team at TVFCU via Idea.leap@tvfcu.com.

Focus on growth potential, financial stability, and community impact; prepare thoroughly for pitch and video