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NACUSO Awards & NACUSO’s Next Big Idea Competition

Honoring change-makers across the credit union system

The NACUSO Awards celebrate the CUSOs, fintechs and emerging innovators moving the credit union system forward.

Innovate. Nominate. Celebrate.

Shine a light on the incredible work happening across our industry by nominating yourself or another organization.

Nominate a peer, a partner, or even yourself. Finalists will be featured across NACUSO’s marketing and communications channels, reaching thousands of credit union leaders.

Winners will be announced on stage at Reimagine 2027, our flagship event held in Las Vegas, March 30 – April 2, 2027.

Submission Deadline: December 15, 2026

CUSO of the year

For CUSOs proving themselves innovative, inspirational and irreplaceable:

Solving real problems for credit unions
Providing clear value
Doing something innovative
Having meaningful impact
NOMINATE A CUSO
New CUSO of the year

For CUSOs less than three years old and bringing a fresh approach to the system:

Less than 3 years old
Already showing results
Addressing a real need
Bringing a fresh approach to the CUSO model
NOMINATE A CUSO
Fintech of the year

For non-CUSO technology partners solving genuine challenges for the credit union movement:

Technology that is solving a real credit union problem
Making something better, easier, or more efficient
Proof that it's having an impact
NOMINATE A FINTECH
CELEBRATING INNOVATION

NACUSO’s Next Big Idea Competition

For emerging concepts and innovators, NACUSO’s Next Big Idea Competition provides major exposure to credit union leaders, CUSOs and fintech partners from across the country.

SUBMIT YOUR NEXT BIG IDEA

Win cash. Make waves.

Held as a live, Shark-Tank-style pitch competition during Reimagine, NACUSO's Next Big Idea Competition finalists are selected based on innovation, impact, feasibility and relevance to the credit union system. Votes are tallied live with the first-place winner receiving a $10,000 cash prize. To enter, submissions must:
  • Be applicable within the credit union system (not limited to financial products)
  • Deliver industry-level impact (consumer-facing or operational)
  • Be technologically feasible and compliant with current regulations
  • Clearly differentiate from existing market solutions
  • Not have participated in or won another credit union industry competition in the past calendar year

Application deadline: January 30, 2026 (11:59 PM CST)

APPLY FOR THE NEXT BIG IDEA

Please note: Selected finalists must present their Big Idea live at Reimagine 2027. Finalists are responsible for their own conference registration fee, travel expenses, and hotel accommodations. Submission does not guarantee selection as a finalist.

The NACUSO Awards and our Next Big Idea Competition shine a light on the innovators driving the credit union system forward. These are the organizations that aren’t content with the way things are. Instead, they’re asking, ‘What could we do to make things better?’

Randy Salser
President & CEO, NACUSO

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Get in touch

Questions about eligibility, the application process or judging criteria? Get in touch.

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