Next Big Idea Competition
Please note the deadline to submit applications ended on March 11, 2024.
NACUSO’s 12th Annual Next Big Idea Competition, our version of the popular TV Show “Shark Tank”. This event was designed to showcase innovation, collaboration, and new solutions for our industry. We are excited to announce another year in which prize money will be awarded — $7,500 for first place, and $2,500 for second place . The first place winner will also secure a presentation spot at the 2024 NASCUS State System Summit in Colorado scheduled for October 2024.
The Next Big Idea Competition
The Next Big Idea Competition will be at the NACUSO Network Conference on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center. Submit your idea by completing the online application below. Our selection committee will review the applications and choose 6 organizations to present on stage in front of the NACUSO Network attendees. The chosen contestants will get 5 minutes to present followed by 8 minutes of questions from our attendees. At the end of the presentations, the audience in attendance will vote to instantly select the first and second place winners of NACUSO’s 2024 Next Big Idea Competition.
How to submit your idea
Apply: Submit your nomination by completing the below form.
Deadline: All applications must be submitted by March 11, 2024.
Next Steps: All applicants will be notified by March 15, 2024 with the status of their application.
Hotel: For hotel room reservations at the Disney Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, we recommend booking prior to the room block deadline of March 21. The rate for NACUSO particpants are $289+ tax per night.
Registration: There is no fee to apply for the competition, but if chosen, all finalists are required to register for the NACUSO Network Conference by March 22, 2024. The cost to register is $1450 per person.
Contact Info: (888)462-2870 or Events@nacuso.org.
Criteria for the Next Big Idea are initiatives to:
-Improve earnings
-Enhance member service
-Deliver new products and services to members
-Improve delivery channels to members
The innovations can be at various stages of development:
-Early stage and in need of investment
-Ready to be delivered
-Already in motion and are growing and changing the industry
Previous Next Big Idea Winners
2013 Winner: NOWaccount
2014 Winner: nCino
2015 Winner: Daon’s IdentityX
2016 Winner: CU RateReset
2017 Winner: Constellation
2018 Winner: Knock Knock
2019 Winner: Zogo Finance
2020 Winner: NetGiver
2021 Winner: RenoFi
2022 Winner: Illuma Labs/Posh Technologies
2023 Winner: Goalsetter
On March 28, 2023, NACUSO’s Next Big Idea Finalists battled on stage in Las Vegas! Goalsetter (pictured here) received 40% of votes during the competition; claiming the title as the 2023 Next Big Idea Winner! Mahalo Banking was close behind claiming the name as runner-up of our 2023 Next Big Idea Competition. THANK YOU to CO-OP Solutions for sponsoring the cash prize of $10k ($7500 to 1st place + $2500 to 2nd place). We also congratulate these three finalists: Banksocial, Harness FI, and Quilo! Read more about the competition results published here.