Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

The Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) has announced the 10 entrepreneurs who are moving forward as semifinalists in its fifth annual “Idea Leap Grant Pitch Competition.”

As previously noted in this teknovation.biz post, the event will be held October 18 where five finalists will compete for a total of $100,000 in grant funds. The grand prize winner will receive $50,000, first runner-up receives $20,000, and the other three runners-up will receive $10,000 each. All of the monies are focused on helping the winners expand their business and boost growth.

“We congratulate our 10 semifinalists and, once again, thank every small business owner who applied for the Idea Leap Grant competition,” said Tommy Nix, Vice President of Business and Commercial Services. “Small businesses are crucial to our local and nationwide economies, so it’s inspiring to see so many entrepreneurs in the communities we serve.”

This year’s semifinalists, representing industries such as food service, janitorial, medical, clothing and more, are:

• Be Caffeinated;
• Bela Co., LLC;
• Bella Star Designs;
• HIIT 10 Fitness;
• Mountain View Low Vision Services;
• Neutral Ground Chattanooga;
• NewTerra Compost;
• Sleepyhead Coffee;
• TEREN Designs; and
• We Clean Chattanooga.

TVFCU initially received nearly 150 Idea Leap Grant applications before an independent panel of volunteer judges selected 23 quarterfinalists from this group. These 23 entrepreneurs were asked to submit five-minute videos detailing their business, their intentions for the grant funding and how they support their community. The judges reduced this field to 10 semifinalists after reviewing the videos and conducting site visits.

Now, the credit union is requesting the community’s help to identify the People’s Choice Finalist. Visit tvfcu.com/vote to learn more about each semifinalist and for instructions on voting via text message. The semifinalist with the most votes as of 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, September 9, will be named the “People’s Choice Finalist.” The judging committee will also select four other finalists to compete in the finale.

 

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