NACUSO Network | Next Big Idea Competition

Congratulations to these 2022 Finalists Competing on April 26 in Orlando!

Next Big Idea Guest Judges

Bill Beardsley, Michigan Business Connection LC
Becky Reed, Lone Star Credit Union
Mary Beth Spuck, Resource One Credit Union
Jeffrey Staw, Open Technology Solution

The 2022 Next Big Idea Competition

The Next Big Idea Competition, our version of the popular TV Show "Shark Tank" is now in its tenth year. This event was designed to showcase innovation, collaboration, and new solutions for our industry. This year we're excited to announce another year in which prize money will be awarded -- $7,500 for first place, and $2,500 for second place courtesy of Co-op Solutions.

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

The deadline to submit applications for the Next Big Idea Competition is March 17, 2022. For questions, please e-mail Shawna@nacuso.org

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

Important Information for Applicants:

The Next Big Idea Competition will be held in-person at the NACUSO Network Conference in Orlando on April 26, 2022 at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center. Finalists are chosen to compete in the Next Big Idea Competition by a selection committee.

Deadline to submit applications was March 17
All applicants will be notified by March 28 with the status of their application.
For hotel room reservations we recommend booking prior to the March 31 room block deadline to secure a room at $280+ tax per night.
There is no fee to apply for this competition, but if chosen, all finalists are required to register as an attendee for the conference by April 8.
The Next Big Idea Competition takes place the afternoon of April 26. The chosen contestants will get 6 minutes to present on stage followed by 7 minutes of questions from our guest judges. At the end of the presentations, the audience will vote to instantly select the winners of the 2022 Next Big Idea Competition.