Dallas, TX (January 29, 2025) |
NACUSO (National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations) is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Next Big Idea Competition, a proven platform designed to inspire and showcase groundbreaking solutions for the credit union industry. This competition, sponsored by Velera, offers participants the chance to pitch their innovative ideas, secure up to $10,000 in prizes, and gain ongoing support to turn their visions into reality.
Inspired by the hit TV show Shark Tank, the Next Big Idea Competition emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact within the credit union system. New this year, NACUSO is expanding its prize offerings to include coaching, mentorship, and promotional opportunities alongside cash prizes.
“The Next Big Idea Competition is more than a contest—it’s a launchpad for transformational ideas that align with the credit union mission of ‘people helping people’, said Miriam Ackerman, Interim CEO of NACUSO. “We’re committed to helping participants bring their ideas to life, empowering credit unions to better serve their members and communities.”
Key Details:
- Application Deadline: February 25, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
- Finalist Presentations: April 17, 2025, at NACUSO’s Reimagine - A Strategic Growth Conference in Las Vegas.
- Prizes:
o 1st Place: $7,500 cash prize, NACUSO membership for one year, six months of post-conference coaching, and promotional opportunities across
NACUSO platforms.
o 2nd Place: $2,000 cash prize, NACUSO membership, three months of coaching, and more.
o 3rd Place: $500 cash prize, NACUSO membership, and one month of coaching.
How It Works:
- Submit your application by February 25, 2025.
- Finalists will be selected by a committee of industry experts.
- Finalists will be paired with NACUSO coaches to prepare for the live pitch competition.
- Winners will be selected by attendees at the Reimagine conference in Las Vegas.
Eligibility and Rules:
Submissions must be relevant to the credit union system, clearly stand out from existing solutions and meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
- Address critical challenges or opportunities within the credit union industry. • Be accessible, impactful, and technologically feasible.
Additionally, Ideas must comply with current regulations and should not have participated in or won other credit union industry competitions within the past calendar year.
Ready to share your vision? Apply now and learn more at, www.ReimagineNACUSO.com.