Chattanooga’s Startup Week is shifting from this fall to next spring as its main sponsor, the Company Lab, develops plans for what officials say will be a bigger weeklong celebration and training for startup businesses next year.
But the pitch competitions that have often been the highlight of Startup Week will continue in October to help propel business ideas and startup ventures.
To help celebrate its 100-year anniversary this year, Double Cola will sponsor pitch competitions for both youth and adults in the annual “Will This Float?” competition, which has helped recognize and launch business ideas since the “Shark Tank”-like event began in 2010.
At the same time, Chattanooga’s biggest credit union, the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, is expanding its “Idea Leap” program this year to provide a total of $100,000 in grants to startup businesses judged to be the most promising for growth.
“As Co.Lab takes a season off from Startup Week CHA and how it’s been done traditionally, we wanted to refocus on a couple of really important and impactful events,” Co.Lab CEO Tasia Malakasis said Wednesday during a news conference at Miller Plaza. “We’ve created opportunities for young entrepreneurs this year, adding even more value.”