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Enter to win cash for your small biz with TVFCU’s Idea Leap Grant

Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union’s annual grant competition helps small businesses across the region grow + thrive.

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Photo 1: A lively stage celebration with people holding oversized checks under colorful confetti. Bright lights illuminate a backdrop displaying "IDEA LEAP." Photo 2: A joyful group of 4 people wearing "Tiny Tigers" shirts holds a giant check for $30,000 from TVFCU. They smile broadly, set against a bright backdrop. Photo 3:  A group of eight people is smiling on stage, holding oversized checks, against a bright blue backdrop. Photo 4: A group of people dressed in pink stand together on stage, smiling and holding an oversized check for $10,000.

Past winners have come from a wide range of industries, including education, hospitality, healthcare, and food + beverage.

Photos courtesy Hannah Gueck

$225,000. That’s how much TVFCU’s 9th Annual Idea Leap Grant competition will provide to small businesses in 2026.

Applications are open now for small businesses in the Chattanooga, Ocoee, and Northwest Georgia regions. Each region will have a separate competition with five winners, and winning grant amounts from $10,000 to $30,000.

Eligible for-profit businesses must be based in TVFCU’s service area and have:

  • Anywhere from two to 25 employees (including the owner)
  • An annual revenue under $2.5 million
  • At least 12 months in operation

If that sounds like your business (or one you know that deserves a boost), complete the application by Monday, Oct. 27. Winners will be announced during National Small Business Week in May 2026.

Past winners in Chattanooga include Tiny Tigers Learning Center, Scenic City Therapy, Bird Fork Farm, Jordan Ariel Agency, and Cha Cha Masala Chai.

Enter + view contest details

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