$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