CUSS Partner Program · Mitchell Stankovic & Associates
Be The Partner
Credit Unions Trust
We position mission-aligned solution providers, fractional leaders and implementation specialists in front of credit union executives and boards, as partners, not vendors.
Why partner with CUSS
Credit Unions Don't Buy From Vendors. They Buy From People They Trust.
Credit union leaders are wary of cold pitches and crowded trade-show floors. They lean on peers and people who understand the cooperative model. For more than three decades, Mitchell Stankovic & Associates has been one of those trusted voices, and CUSS is how we bring vetted partners into that circle.
Borrowed Trust, Earned Fast
Being vetted by CUSS tells credit union leaders you've already been through a mission-alignment review.
Positioning That Speaks Credit Union
We help you translate your solution into the language of boards, CEOs and the cooperative principles.
Shorter Evaluation Cycles
Credit unions come to CUSS to skip duplicative vendor searches. Our partners are the short list.
How it compares
Selling Cold vs. Partnering With CUSS
Typical go-to-market
- Cold outreach to executives who don't know you
- Expensive booths competing for attention
- Long evaluations starting from zero trust
- Messaging written for banks, not credit unions
- Seen as one more vendor
CUSS partnership
- Warm introductions through a trusted advisor
- A seat in candid Underground conversations
- Pre-vetted status that shortens evaluation
- Positioning built around cooperative values
- Seen as a partner in the movement
Comparison is illustrative. Results depend on fit, solution and market timing.
Three ways to partner
Long-Term Solutions. Leadership On Demand. Projects Done Right.
Credit unions come to CUSS for technology, for experienced leadership and for help getting projects over the line. There's a partnership track for each.
Solution Partners
Fintech, technology and service providers with a product or platform built for credit unions.
You get: positioning, your own CUSS partner page, a directory listing and warm introductions.
Fractional Leaders
Seasoned credit union executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, COO, lending, HR, risk) available for part-time or interim roles.
You get: a profile in the CUSS Fractional Leadership network and introductions to credit unions that need leadership without full-time cost.
Implementation Partners
Specialists for short-term, defined projects: core conversions, integrations, project management, compliance readiness and change management.
You get: a place on the CUSS implementation bench, referred in when members need hands-on help delivering a project.
What's included
We Position Your Organization. Then We Open Doors.
Every partnership starts with positioning: how your solution, leadership or expertise fits credit union strategy, operations and members. Then we put that story in front of the right people. Exact benefits vary by track.
Credit Union Strategy Session
MSA advisors help sharpen your message, proof points and fit for credit unions of different sizes.
Your CUSS Page Or Profile
A co-branded, search-optimized partner page like our GenAspire and OBS pages, or a leader profile in the Fractional Leadership network.
Warm Referrals
A listing in the CUSS partner directory and smart referrals when a credit union needs what you do.
The Underground & Insights
Opportunities to join Underground conversations and share thought leadership through MSA channels.
Who we're looking for
Partners, Not Vendors
We don't use the word "vendor." Our partners show up to contribute, listen and move the conversation forward, not to sell from the sidelines. We look for:
- Solutions, leadership or project expertise proven with credit unions
- Alignment with cooperative principles and member benefit
- A long-term commitment, not a one-quarter campaign
- Willingness to share insight, not just pitch product
Solution areas we cover
Current CUSS partners include GenAspire, Open Banking Solutions, Mambu, Omni53 and Coeus Institute.
How it works
Four Steps To Your Launch
- 01
Apply
Choose your track and tell us about your organization or practice and the credit unions you serve.
- 02
Fit Conversation
A call with our team to review mission alignment and where you fit in the ecosystem.
- 03
Positioning
We shape your credit union story, page or profile, and introduction plan together.
- 04
Launch
Your page goes live, you join the directory and introductions begin.
"Real progress doesn't come from pitches or promises. It comes from partnerships built on purpose."
FAQ
Partnering With CUSS
What is the CUSS Partner Program?
It's how Credit Union Shared Services (CUSS), from Mitchell Stankovic & Associates, brings vetted, mission-aligned solution providers, fractional leaders and implementation partners into its credit union network. Partners get positioning support, a CUSS page or profile, warm introductions and opportunities at the Underground.
Who can apply?
Three kinds of partners: solution providers with products built for credit unions, fractional leaders with credit union executive experience, and implementation partners who deliver short-term projects. All must align with cooperative principles.
Do you work with fractional executives and short-term implementation partners?
Yes. Fractional leaders join the CUSS Fractional Leadership network for part-time and interim roles, and implementation partners are referred in for defined projects such as core conversions, integrations and project management.
How do you help position our organization?
MSA advisors work with you on how your solution fits credit union strategy, operations and member needs, then build that story into your CUSS partner page and introduction plan.
Is every applicant accepted?
No. CUSS is a vetted ecosystem. Credit unions rely on it because partners are reviewed for fit and mission alignment first.
Is this a sponsorship?
No. CUSS partners aren't sponsors in the traditional sense. They're long-term collaborators who contribute insight to the credit union movement. Program details and investment are covered on the fit call.
What is the Underground?
The Underground is MSA's forum for candid conversations between credit union leaders, entrepreneurs, regulators and innovators. It has run for more than a decade with over 2,000 participants.
How long until we launch?
It depends on fit and how quickly we can complete positioning together. We'll share a timeline after the fit conversation.
Apply to partner
Let's Position You For Credit Unions
Pick your track, share a few details and we'll reach out to schedule a fit conversation.