And the winners are...

STARTUP SHOWDOWN

At our Startup Showdown pitch competition during Startup Week Chattanooga, we handed out three prizes and had a People's Choice Award winner!

1st Place
Mahogany Hudgins with Wings Top Tots Food Truck
With her food truck, Mahogany provides delicious, never frozen chicken wings tossed in different homemade sauces and rubs. She also has tater tots that come with a variety of toppings like chili, cheese, bacon and more. 
Mahogany also went home with our People's Choice Award!

2nd Place
Whitney Jackson with Hair Works Hair Care
Hair Works was founded in 2018 to provide natural solutions to aid in better caring for curly and kinky-textured hair.  Hair Works Hair Care products lead in cleansing, moisturizing and styling properties via a holistic, innovative way. 

3rd Place
Kandyce Hudson with Made by Me Academy
Made By Me Academy is a beginner to advanced school for sewing fashion and design specialized in teaching students how to use a home sewing machine to create professional results for a variety of sewing projects.  Beyond classes, we also provide custom sewing services and make and sell original, one of a kind creations.

CHA STARTUP AWARDS

The CHA Startup Awards, held yearly during Startup Week Chattanooga, recognizes and celebrates the next generation of emerging companies as well as everyone who helped them become successful along the way.

As a part of the startup ecosystem, we were able to present the LAUNCH CHA Micro-Business of the Year 

Award, which honors one of our entrepreneurs with a business that has fewer than 5 employees and has persevered, despite the challenges they face as a woman-owned or minority-owned business.

This year's winner was Cheiman Tea, owned by Stephanie Steiman. 

Cheiman Tea is a homemade blend of black tea, creamy milk and rich spices that create a perfect instant Chai Latte mix. This family recipe is made by hand in small batches by Stephane and her daughter Erika.

Like the work that LAUNCH is doing? 

As we approach CHA Gives and #GivingTuesday, set for December 3rd, please consider a donation to LAUNCH CHA. Your contributions help us offer business training and support to underrepresented and diverse individuals in Chattanooga, TN. 

Help us with a tax deductible donation today.