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Chambliss and TVFCU to Host 2026 Startup Social and Idea Leap Grant Pitch Competition
Join us on May 7, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET
Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Chambliss Startup Social: 4:30-6 p.m.
Pitch Competition: 6-8 p.m.
Location: The Signal (21 Choo Choo Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402)
Chambliss will host its Chambliss Startup Social – A Kickoff to the Idea Leap Grant Pitch Competition on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at The Signal. For the fifth year in a row, the event, which will take place during National Small Business Week, will be held in conjunction with Tennessee Valley Credit Union’s (TVFCU) Ninth Annual Chattanooga Idea Leap Grant Pitch Competition.
The Chambliss Startup Social brings together entrepreneurs, founders, thought leaders, investors, and business owners at every stage, from emerging to established, along with supporters, in a fun and celebratory atmosphere.
Following the Startup Social, each of the five Chattanooga finalists will participate in the pitch competition for a chance to win one of five grants to help take their small businesses to the next level. The grand prize recipient will receive $30,000, second place will receive $15,000, and three runners-up will each receive $10,000.
Learn more about the Chattanooga Idea Leap Grant Finalists
- Chef Express
- Mindy B’s Deli
- Shaq’s Mobile Detailing
- Windy City Eatz
- Yellow Racket Records (People’s Choice Winner)
Event registration is open to the public and is RSVP only. To learn more about the event or to register, please visit the Idea Leap Grant registration page.
About the TVFCU Idea Leap Grant
TVFCU’s Idea Leap Grant is an extension of the credit union’s Idea Leap Loan initiative, which was created in 2016 specifically to fill a void in the community for startup and early-stage business capital. After years of Idea Leap Loans, TVFCU started the Idea Leap Grant to reinvest proceeds from the loan program back into the local small business ecosystem. To date, TVFCU has awarded nearly $955,500 in Idea Leap Grants and scholarships in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem to 75 unique businesses. In 2026, they will award an additional $225,000 in grants.