Even the best ideas may need support to get to the next level.  

NACUSO’s Next Big Idea competition helps identify and nurture innovative concepts that will help our industry grow and thrive. It’s our version of the popular TV show “Shark Tank.”  

Top Prizes Include Support to Grow Your Idea 

The Next Big Idea Competition aims to provide a platform for innovative ideas to thrive, regardless of initial financial resources, and to ensure these ideas are implemented effectively.

Our focus is on creating meaningful impact for credit unions, their members, and communities—not just generating exciting concepts. Results and outcomes are what truly matter.

To support this mission, NACUSO is enhancing its prize offerings to include ongoing support, along with the opportunity to win up to $10,000 in prizes. 

How it works: 

Complete the application by February 25, 2025, 11:59pm EST. 

1. Our selection committee will narrow the contestants to a small group of finalists. 

2. Finalists are notified by March 21, 2025 and are paired with NACUSO Staff and/or Board Member coaches to help prepare for the competition. 

3. Finalists showcase their ideas at NACUSO’s Reimagine - A Strategic Growth Conference on April 15, 2025 in Las Vegas. 

4. Reimagine conference attendees help select the winners. 

Even if your idea is not selected as a finalist, there will be additional opportunities to partner and showcase your idea with NACUSO. We encourage all applicants to attend Reimagine and experience how NACUSO is nurturing great ideas to help credit unions thrive.

Consider applying if your solution: 

• Sparks the WOW FACTOR while also addressing critical credit union challenges and opportunities
• Is technologically and financially accessible to a wide range of institutions 
• Demonstrates innovation, collaboration, and sustainability within the credit union system
• Embodies the credit union mission of “people helping people”
• Help individuals and communities achieve financial well-being

Not sure if you fit in? Apply anyway! 

Rules:  

Ideas must: 

• Be applicable for use within the credit union system. (does not have to be a financial product, e.g., loan)
• Have industry-level impact that affects consumers, credit union operations, leagues, and/or associations. (Does not have to be a consumer facing solution).
• Comply with current regulations and be technologically feasible
• Have clearly identifiable differentiators from existing market solutions
• Have not participated in, or won, other credit union industry “competitions” within the last calendar year.