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 16th at 6:00 pm at Hagar's Hideaway, 3153 Lakeshore Dr, Muskegon, MI, the MOON Chapter will hold the chapter-level CU Spark Tank Competition for eligible credit union young professionals, ages 18-40. 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 is February 28, 2025.

Once a chapter winner is determined, they will 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 a $500 cash prize, the MOON Chapter will cover up to $1,000 of 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 by MCUL 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: Stephanie Cwiklinski, stephanie@tricu.org