Apple FCU’s Awarding $70,000 Through Our FinTastic Funding Initiative

Vote for Your Favorite Local Business Now!

Earlier this year, Apple Federal Credit Union launched FinTastic Funding, a Shark Tank–style pitch competition offering $70,000 in prizes to small businesses with bold visions, innovative ideas and a passion for community impact.

Business owners submitted their business plans and 90-second pitch videos, and our panel of judges selected the top finalists based on:

A clear and feasible business plan

Financial sustainability

Innovation and growth potential

Team expertise and passion

Positive community impact.

You Decide the Winners

Learn about the finalists, watch their videos by clicking the link below and submit your votes for the business you believe deserves a piece of the prize pool.

Platinum Prize: $25,000

Gold Place: $20,000

Silver Place: $15,000

Bronze Place: $10,000

Finalist	Overview
Established in 2022	A Stronger Tomorrow, LLC is a wellness coaching business that helps women build healthier relationships with food and body image. Founded by a professional dancer who overcame an eating disorder, A Stronger Tomorrow helps clients replace restriction and obsession with confidence and long-lasting health. If awarded the funding, A Stronger Tomorrow will expand local workshops and outreach efforts, as well as develop a subscription-based app to make its programs more accessible.
Established in 2015	Amperia Electrical, LLC is an electrical contracting company that provides residential and commercial electrical services. Addressing growing demand for electrical upgrades that are reliable and modern, Amperia Electrical supports the region's rapidly evolving infrastructure needs. With the grant, Amperia Electrical will upgrade equipment, purchase a service vehicle, expand employee training and create new jobs.
Established in 2023	Arts and Animation Vocational Training Studios helps young adult artists, including those on the autism spectrum, develop creative and professional skills they can take into the workforce. Focused on mentorship and inclusive programming, Arts and Animation Vocational Training Studios provides meaningful opportunities for artists to grow their talents and connect with other artists. If awarded, Arts and Animation Vocational Training Studios will launch its inclusive pilot program—Holiday Creative Launch Lab—and fund teaching artists, creative roles, accessibility resources and a community exhibition.
Established in 2016	Dare Gift Boxes is a gifting company that helps businesses strengthen their relationships with clients, employees and communities through customized gift experiences. Working with organizations across the country, Dare Gift Boxes creates hand-packed gifts featuring products from more than 170 small businesses. With the funding, Dare Gift Boxes will expand its production and storage capacity, support future job growth and purchase goods from more small businesses.
Established in 2021	Heroic Axe is an entertainment venue with the goal of having fun, engaging with the community and giving back. Through initiatives such as Kegs for a Cause and its AXE of Kindness nonprofit, Heroic Axe supports causes that uplift veterans and first responders. If awarded the funding, Heroic Axe will improve accessibility, enhance outdoor gathering spaces, upgrade equipment and expand awareness of their community support programs.
Established in 2015	Hyperspace Command Force is a dance organization that gives dancers the opportunity to pursue their passion while building meaningful community connections. Hyperspace Command Force offers year-round training, workshops and performance opportunities for dancers across the region, such as during their annual Space Soirée showcase. With the funding, Hyperspace Command Force will focus on keeping participation affordable, subsidizing performance fees and expanding their workshops and community showcase.
Established in 2019	Kids Give Back helps youth get involved in volunteering by connecting children ages 6-12 with meaningful service projects that support local nonprofits and strengthen the community. By creating age-appropriate opportunities to give back, Kids Give Back aims to inspire the next generation of volunteers and community leaders. If awarded, Kids Give Back will expand into new communities, offer programs in lower-resource areas and grow partnerships that increase access to youth volunteer opportunities.
Established in 2003	Leaving The Jar supports survivors of human trafficking by providing them with safe environments they can begin healing in. To uplift survivors in the region, Leaving the Jar is building The Well of Hope, a long-term residential home for girls ages 12-17 who have survived trafficking. With the grant, Leaving the Jar will build the Tranquility Room, which will serve as a space for counseling, peer support and trauma-informed care within the residential home.
Established in 2020	Outrun Gravity, LLC is a wellness and community-building company that fosters connection and a sense of purpose through exercise. Founded on the belief that meaningful, face-to-face connections strengthen individuals and communities, Outrun Gravity creates opportunities for people to build friendships while developing healthy habits. If awarded the funding, Outrun Gravity will expand its community events, educational workshops and retreat opportunities that promote wellness and connection.
Established in 2023	RouteStars Student Transportation is a student transportation company that provides safe, reliable rides to help children get to school and support busy working families. Founded by a U.S. Air Force veteran and working mother, RouteStars supports educational opportunities that may be missed without reliable transportation. If awarded, RouteStars will hire additional drivers, expand service capacity and provide transportation for more local students.
Established in 2005	The Side-Out Foundation funds medical research for metastatic breast cancer while empowering young athletes to become advocates for the cause. Inspired by a volleyball team's efforts to support the founder's mother who was affected by metastatic breast cancer, they combine education, community engagement and fundraising to advance research and awareness. With the funds, Side-Out Foundation will expand its Perfect Pass Challenge, equipping more young athletes with the skills and knowledge to advocate for research and support.
Established in 1980	The Women's Housing Coalition, Inc. (WHC) provides supportive housing and services to women experiencing challenges such as homelessness, mental illness and substance use disorders. Through on-staff clinical support, recovery coaching and care coordination, WHC helps residents build stability and stay connected to critical healthcare services. If awarded the funding, WHC will continue to help residents get mental health counseling, recovery services, transportation assistance and expanded access to substance use treatment and care coordination.

How to Vote

Watch the Videos: Learn the stories, goals and impact of each finalist.
Cast Your Vote: Choose the business you believe should win FinTastic Funding. You can vote on each finalist once per day until voting closes!
Share the Love: Encourage friends, family and your community to vote, too.

Vote Now

Public Voting Closes Thursday, September 10

Winners will be announced the week of September 28.

Brought to You by Apple FCU Commercial Services

70 years in, and we’re still incredibly proud to support the dreams of local business owners—not just through this contest, but every day through affordable business banking, commercial lending and personalized service.For more information, please email [email protected].

^*FinTastic Funding entries will be accepted 05/01/2026-07/01/2026. Finalists will be introduced on AppleFCU.org/FinTasticFunding 08/17/2026-09/10/2026, for the general public to vote for their favorite small business. A prize pool of $70,000 (first prize: $25,000; second prize: $20,000; third prize: $15,000; fourth prize: $10,000) will be awarded to eligible winners. Click here for complete details and Official Rules.