DALLAS—The 2025 NACUSO Next Big Idea Competition is now accepting applications, the organization announced.
“The competition this year is bigger and better than ever before. For the first time, participants can win prizes that go far beyond cash awards,” NACUSO said.
Prizes
1st Place: A $7,500 cash prize, one-year NACUSO membership, six months of post-conference coaching, promotional opportunities on NACUSO platforms, and an exclusive opportunity to present an idea at the NASCUS Summit Conference in San Antonio, TX (Sept. 17-19, 2025).
2nd Place: A $2,000 cash prize, NACUSO membership, three months of coaching, and additional resources to elevate the concept.
3rd Place: A $500 cash prize, NACUSO membership, and one month of coaching—a brand-new opportunity added this year to support more innovators.
“We’ve always been committed to empowering innovators in the credit union system,” said Miriam Ackerman, interim CEO of NACUSO. “With our expanded prizes and support, the 2025 Next Big Idea Competition offers an even greater platform to help participants turn their bold ideas into transformative solutions - supporting the collaborative nature and member-driven mission of credit unions.”
Key Dates and Details
- Application Deadline: Feb. 25, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
- Finalist Presentations: April 17, 2025, live at NACUSO’s Reimagine – A Strategic Growth Conference in Las Vegas.
How It Works
- Submit an application by Feb. 25, 2025
- Finalists will be selected by a committee of industry experts and paired with NACUSO coaches to refine their pitches
- At the Reimagine conference, finalists will present their ideas live, with winners chosen by attendees
Eligibility
According to NACUSO, submissions must:
- Be relevant to the credit union industry
- Stand out as innovative, collaborative, and impactful
- Address challenges or opportunities in the credit union system
- Be technologically feasible and compliant with regulations
- Not have participated in or won other credit union competitions within the past calendar year
“The NACUSO Next Big Idea Competition, inspired by Shark Tank, is the ultimate launchpad for game-changing ideas that align with the credit union mission of people helping people. Whether you’re a seasoned innovator or a newcomer, this is your chance to make your mark and revolutionize the industry,” NACUSO said. “Don’t miss your chance to shine.”
Apply and learn more at www.ReimagineNACUSO.com.