GoWest Invests in Small Credit Union Growth Through Accelerator Program

Troy Stang

​nnounced in October, the Small Credit Union Accelerator Program is designed for credit unions with assets of up to $250 million, to equip these institutions with the resources, collaboration and advocacy support needed to thrive in today’s operating environment.
 
Now, GoWest is seeding an initial investment of $200,000 to 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.
 
“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,” said Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. “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.”
 
Small credit unions have worked together with GoWest to generate legislative and regulatory wins, resulting 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 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
• Led the industry in fighting against the dismantling of the CDFI program and bolstering the proposed FY’27 funding levels

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.
 
“We’re thrilled to help our credit unions accelerate their ability to provide tailor-made financial services to their members and communities,” said Carmen Vigil, SVP, Credit Union Engagement & Development. “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.”
 
“It’s more important than ever for small credit unions to engage in these programs that will accelerate our success,” said Amy Nelson, President & CEO of Portland, OR-based Point West Credit Union. “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.”
 
Small credit unions are mission-focused on serving the unique needs of wide-ranging communities including metro and rural areas. Across six GoWest states, 159 small credit unions are the financial partners to nearly 830,000 members. Last year, they loaned $7.6 billion to members, helping them to purchase homes and vehicles, start small businesses, and meet other financial needs.
 
Credit unions of all sizes interested in developing or accessing these solutions can contact Carmen Vigil, SVP, CU Engagement & Development at GoWest.

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