The Next Big Idea Competition, our version of the popular TV Show “Shark Tank” is now in its eleventh year. 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 courtesy of Co-op Solutions. The first place winner will also secure a presentation spot at the 2023 NASCUS State System Summit in Nashville, August 2023.

The Next Big Idea Competition
The Next Big Idea Competition will be held in-person at the NACUSO Network Conference on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort. Submit your idea by completing the online application below. Our selection committee will review the applications and choose 5 organizations to present on stage in front of the NACUSO Network attendees. The chosen contestants will get 6 minutes to present followed by 7 minutes of questions from our guest judges. At the end of the presentations, the audience (approximately 450-500 attendees) will vote to instantly select the first and second place winners of NACUSO’s 2023 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 February 17, 2023.
Next Steps: All applicants will be notified by March 1, 2023 with the status of their application.
Hotel: For hotel room reservations at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort, we recommend booking prior to the room block deadline of March 2, 2023. Room rates for NACUSO attendees are $299+ tax per night.
Registration: Please note 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 10. The cost to register is $1350 per person.
Contact Us: (888)462-2870 or Shawna@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
2022 Next Big Idea Award Winner: Illuma Labs and Posh Technologies
