SEATTLE–The GoWest Credit Union Association has announced an initial investment of $200,000 to see its Small Credit Union Accelerator Program, which is designed to equip CUs of less than $250 million in assets with the resources, collaboration and advocacy support needed to “thrive in today’s operating environment.”
The program was announced in September of 2025.
GoWest said the funding will support programs such as coaching, leadership development, strategic differentiation, and marketing support, as well as resources and training sessions, with a central goal of increasing credit union membership.
Developed in partnership with a Small Credit Union Advisory Council, all content will be accessible throughout 2026 and the Advisory Council will measure success to determine which programs are most effective and able to be replicated and scaled, GoWest said.
‘Deeply Connected’
“Credit unions are deeply connected to their members and communities and the heartbeat of the credit union movement. For years, we’ve been successfully working with small credit unions on their unique needs,” GWCUA President and CEO Troy Stang said in a statement. “As the operating environment becomes increasingly demanding, the Accelerator Program will not only support credit union strategy and operations, but will help turn up the volume on the advocacy and regulatory relief needed, and come alongside small credit unions to elevate the work they’re doing to serve their members and impact their community.”
The Small Credit Union Accelerator Program will expand the unique programs small credit unions have come to count on and will provide new, relevant content to keep small credit unions thriving and engaged with legislative and regulatory policy.”
Added Carmen Vigil, SVP-credit union engagement & development, in a statement, “We’re thrilled to help our credit unions accelerate their ability to provide tailor-made financial services to their members and communities. Expanding these programs will amplify the work they’re already doing to impact policy and provide even more opportunities to build, collaborate and thrive. This is a direct ask from credit unions, and one we are excited to grow. Their partnership guided how we expanded our offerings and will play a central role in shaping how these programs grow and develop.”
‘Unique Challenges’
Amy Nelson, president & CEO of Portland, Ore.-based Point West Credit Union, also added in a statement, “It’s more important than ever for small credit unions to engage in these programs that will accelerate our success. We face unique challenges and pressures in serving our members, but we can have the biggest impact when we unite our voices through these tools dedicated to our strengths and needs.”
Victories Cited
In its statement, the GoWest Association said it has worked with small credit unions to generate legislative and regulatory wins that have resulted in greater flexibility, and bottom-line savings that directly benefit credit union members, in addition to developing a resource to help small credit unions quickly navigate regulatory requirements according to their asset size
Recent examples of that activity, it said, include:
- 2026 NCUA Operating Fee Reduction and Reduced Overhead Transfer Rate, allowing credit unions to give back more to members
- 2026 rollout of deregulatory proposals that remove overly prescriptive rules in favor of principles-based rules
- Improved exam efficiency, which is expected to result in shorter risk focused exams
- Removal of NSF/ODP data from Call Report, reducing reputational risk
- Protection of the federal credit union tax structure
- Legislation passed in the U.S. House to reduce required board meetings for federal credit unions – poised for Senate passage in 2026
- The fight against the dismantling of the CDFI program and bolstering the proposed FY’27 funding levels
