Apple FCU Awards $70,000 Through Our FinTastic Funding Initiative

$70,000 for 70 Years

Earlier this year, Apple Federal Credit Union held FinTastic Funding, a Shark Tank–style pitch competition offering a total of $70,000 worth in prizes to small businesses with bold visions, innovative ideas and a passion for community impact. The $70,000 is an homage to our 70 years serving and supporting our communities here in Northern Virginia.

Businesses submitted their pitches, our panelists selected the finalists and the public voted for their favorites. Now, we’re proud to announce our 2026 FinTastic Funding winners!

And the Winners Are...

Watch Us Surprise the Winners

Dare Gift Boxes – $25,000 Platinum Prize

FinTastic Funding winner - Dare Gift Boxes

Dare Gift Boxes 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.

Leaving The Jar – $20,000 Gold Prize

FinTastic Funding winner - Leaving the Jar

Leaving The Jar supports survivors of human trafficking by providing them with safe environments they can begin healing in. They also help the communities they work in to prevent trafficking and continue uplifting survivors as they build their futures.

Heroic Axe – $15,000 Silver Prize

FinTastic Funding winner - Heroic Axe

Heroic Axe is an entertainment venue with the goals 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.

Hyperspace Command Force – $10,000 Bronze Prize

FinTastic Funding winner - Hyperspace Command Force

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 their annual Space Soirée showcase.

Building Something Amazing, Together

At Apple FCU, we believe in fueling small businesses’ dreams—not just through contests like FinTastic Funding, but every day through affordable business banking, commercial lending and personalized support. Congratulations again to our winners, and thank you to every entrepreneur who shared their vision with us. Your passion inspires us all.