New for 2025, the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) has created a competition for young professionals, the CU Spark Tank Competition. This competition seeks to highlight the unique perspectives and ideas of young professionals within the credit union movement.

Are you up for the challenge?

On April 21, 2025, the Capitol Area Chapter will hold the chapter-level CU Spark Tank Competition for eligible credit union young professionals, ages 18-40. This competition will take place during the Capitol Area Chapter’s Annual Meeting, which will start at 6:00 pm and will be held at MSU Federal Credit Union’s  Headquarters 2 Community Room located at 3899 Coolidge Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Each credit union is encouraged to select one team member to represent them in the chapter- level competition.

Judging will be based on a seven-minute oral presentation. Contestants are asked to present an idea, product or service that they think would benefit their credit union or the credit union industry. It’s that simple! The deadline to submit your application and updated resume is April 4, 2025.

The winner of  the Capitol Area Chapter-level competition will receive a $500 cash prize awarded by the Chapter.  The winner will also move on to the semi-finals at MCUL’s Annual Convention and Exposition (AC&E), the first week of June at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, where all semi-finalists will make their presentations to a panel of judges and six contestants will move on to the finals later in the week, on the mainstage.

In addition to the cash prize, the Capitol Area Chapter will cover the following expenses for the chapter-level finalist attending the finals:

• Hotel accommodations; and
• Meals; and
• Mileage/gas reimbursement or stipend.

The cost of AC&E registration will be covered for all chapter finalists.

Go to mcul.org/cusparktank to download the application and for other helpful information and details about the competition.

The winner and runner-up of the finals in June will receive prizes, including a scholarship and networking opportunities.

Need tips on how to host an internal competition at your credit union? See this guide on best practices. If hosting an internal competition, a judging form can be made available upon request.

For  questions regarding the Capitol Area Chapter competition, please contact Rob Johnson at rjohnson@msufcu.org, Chris Tyler at chris.tyler@asteracu.com, and Vanessa Marvin at vanessa.marvin@mcul.org