STARTUP FINALISTS
Contractor Financial Services, LLC
Angie Huddleston
ContractorFinancialServices.net
Contractor Financial Services (CFS) helps construction contractors, trades, and real estate developers gain financial clarity and control so they can grow with confidence. Specializing in Fractional CFO, Controller, and Bookkeeping services, CFS goes beyond reporting by translating financial data into strategy. From job cost tracking to cash flow forecasting, the firm builds systems that help clients understand their current position, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions.
What sets CFS apart is its industry expertise and hands-on partnership approach. With nearly five decades of combined experience in construction finance and operations, Angie Huddleston and her team understand the challenges contractors face and speak their language. By meeting clients where they are and tailoring solutions to fit their needs, CFS creates financial foundations that support sustainable, long-term success.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Expanded from a solo consultancy to a full-service team serving contractors, trades, and developers
- Helped clients secure bonding approvals and reduce debt through improved financial systems
- Implemented job cost tracking and forecasting tools that strengthened client cash flow management
- Streamlined years of financial disarray for multiple construction businesses
- Refined service offerings and pricing models to meet growing client demand
SpendCare
Perry Halman-Peguillan, David E. Young, & Rodney Hamilton
SpendCare is redefining how seniors access flexible benefit programs by bringing affordable, compliant “flex cards” to PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) organizations. Traditionally, only large insurers with 5,000+ members could afford these benefit programs, leaving smaller organizations—and their seniors—at a disadvantage. SpendCare changes that by offering co-branded benefit cards personalized to each senior’s needs, helping cover essentials like groceries and transportation while avoiding the confusion and embarrassment of declined purchases.
By partnering directly with PACE organizations, which serve low-income seniors who would otherwise enter nursing homes, SpendCare provides a cost-effective tool that supports independence and better quality of life. The company is on a mission to protect seniors from financial fraud and abuse while making sure they can pay for the things they need to age safely at home.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Raised a $320K pre-seed round with participation from Techstars, InvestTN, and other investors
- Accepted into Techstars Economic Mobility and AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative accelerators
- Onboarded 3 PACE organizations, representing more than 2,000 potential cardholders
- Expanded to 7 states, with early adoption across Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California
- Processed over $100K in deposits and $55K in spending across first cardholders
Upside Guaranty
Nolen Tuttle
Upside Guaranty is a Franklin-based financial services startup mitigating risk in construction projects by ensuring funds are securely managed and properly allocated. The company serves project owners and contractors through three core services: financial oversight, secure fund management, and progress verification. By maintaining dedicated project accounts, conducting monthly budget reviews, and verifying completed work before payments are released, Upside Guaranty fosters trust, accountability, and successful project outcomes. Founded in 2024, the company has quickly built momentum, partnering with investors and contractors across multiple states.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Launched operations in April 2024 with angel investment backing
- Secured signed client contracts totaling more than $220K in the first 12 months
- Managed 16 construction projects across 10 states
- Exceeded 2025 revenue target by mid-year
- Achieved more than 500% revenue growth in year two
GROWTH FINALISTS
Continuum Planning Partners
Andy Faught & Abby Spaulding
Continuum Planning Partners helps individuals and families build customized wealth strategies designed to achieve both financial growth and lasting legacy goals. The firm takes a personalized, objective approach—bridging the gaps that often occur when advice comes from fragmented sources. By offering cohesive, integrated financial planning, Continuum ensures clients’ strategies adapt as life and circumstances evolve. Founded in 2016 by Andy Faught and Abby Spaulding, the firm has grown to nine advisors and 15 support staff, serving more than 500 families with a commitment to long-term partnership, trusted guidance, and core values that emphasize accountability, creativity, and delivering unmatched value.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Expanded team with three new experienced advisors to enhance client experience
- Grew revenue by 35% in a volatile economic environment
- Began building a sister company to provide family office services
- Hired a Director of Operations with expertise in scaling companies to support growth without sacrificing client relationships
One Chance Bookkeeping, LLC
Shanderia Montgomery
With more than 15 years of experience, One Chance Bookkeeping empowers for-profit and nonprofit business owners to build strong, profitable foundations. The firm not only relieves clients of the burden of financial management but also engages and educates them on the fundamentals of their financial statements, ensuring they can make informed decisions with clarity and confidence. Since its founding in 2019, One Chance has grown from a sole proprietorship to an LLC with S-Corporation status, scaling operations while maintaining a client-first approach. Committed to both excellence and community, the firm has participated in national business development programs, volunteered with Corner to Corner, and been featured in outlets like Memphis Voyager and Nashville Voyager.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Released a fully branded online training program for resellable bookkeeping education
- Transitioned from a fully virtual model to a professional office in Rutherford County
- Earned “Best Bookkeeping Business 2024” and a “98% Customer Satisfaction Award”
- Conducted workshops and mentoring sessions on bookkeeping, tax readiness, and financial literacy for small business owners
- Increased brand presence through social media campaigns, client testimonials, local partnerships, and educational content
Wilmoth Financial
Jessica Wilmoth
Wilmoth Financial provides approachable and straightforward financial services including tax preparation and consulting, bookkeeping, payroll, and fractional CFO support. Founded with the belief that finances don’t have to be stressful or intimidating, the firm specializes in empowering individuals and small businesses to better manage their money and plan for growth. A strong advocate for inclusivity, Wilmoth Financial is dedicated to creating a welcoming space for all clients, including members of the LGBTQ community, while delivering the guidance and tools needed to succeed.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Revenue has grown 30% in the last 12 months to more than $450,000.
- Accepted 75+ new clients while maintaining over 300 ongoing relationships and tripling 5-star reviews
- Expanded capacity by hiring two new tax trainees
- Launched initiatives to serve diverse communities, including a marketing campaign for the LGBTQ community & development of free public tax classes for self-employed individuals
- Celebrated 7 years in business
To see other 2025 finalists, visit our NEXT Awards page or browse news.
About the author
