Corporate Central Puts Its Money Where Its Mouth Is
$200,000 pledge to two student-led credit union initiatives shows what real support for the credit union movement looks like
MILWAUKEE, WI – November 2, 2026 – Plenty of companies say they support the credit union movement. Corporate Central is proving it with $200,000. At Momentum 2026, Corporate Central’s signature annual conference for credit union professionals, the credit union pledged $100,000 each to the Seattle University Credit Union Initiative and the George Washington University Credit Union Initiative to help them clear one of the biggest hurdles to launching a new credit union: securing startup capital.
The contributions build on Corporate Central’s existing relationships with both initiatives and put real dollars behind the credit union movement at its earliest, most critical stage. The Seattle University Credit Union Initiative became an Associate Member in November 2025, followed by the George Washington University Credit Union Initiative in February 2026.
Credit Unions Don’t Just Talk the Talk
“Over the years, I have heard countless times from all sorts of companies with ‘credit union divisions,’ ‘credit union departments,’ or a ‘credit union focus’ that ‘we support the credit union movement,’” said Chris Felton, President/CEO of Corporate Central. “But we are a credit union, and credit unions do more than talk the talk. We walk the walk. Investing in these two wonderful initiatives was a no-brainer. It’s what credit unions do. We support our members and look for ways to help all members: small, large, and start-ups.”
Supporting the Next Generation of Credit Unions
Launching a new credit union requires extensive planning, sufficient startup capital, and regulatory approval. Recognizing the need to support organizations during this process, Corporate Central amended its membership bylaws to establish an associate membership category for credit union initiatives. Through this membership, emerging credit unions gain access to deposit and investment solutions as they prepare for charter approval.
The new investment expands that support by providing direct financial resources to help both initiatives advance toward becoming operational credit unions.
“Raising the startup capital needed to establish a new credit union is one of the most significant barriers these initiatives face,” said Cisco Malpartida Smith, board chair for both initiatives. “Corporate Central’s $200,000 contribution directly addresses that challenge and brings us meaningfully closer to making these credit unions a reality for our university communities.”
Developing the Next Generation of Credit Union Leaders
Beyond expanding access to financial services, the proposed credit unions will give students hands-on experience in governance, financial services, and member service. The volunteer student employees staff all positions in the credit unions, from teller to CEO. By participating in the development and operation of their institutions, students will have opportunities to build leadership skills, strengthen their financial knowledge, and experience the cooperative model firsthand.
“These initiatives represent an opportunity to turn the university community into a living classroom,” said Malpartida Smith. “Students will be able to apply what they learn while helping build and lead a financial institution that serves their peers. Corporate Central’s support is an investment in more than two new credit unions. It is an investment in the next generation of credit union leaders, employees, and members.”
Investing in the Future of the Credit Union Movement
“By supporting these student-led initiatives, we are giving a new generation the chance to experience the credit union difference, see a better banking model, develop as leaders, and carry the cooperative movement forward,” added Felton.
For Corporate Central, supporting emerging credit unions takes more than kind words. By pairing access to deposit and investment solutions with direct financial contributions, Corporate Central is helping these university initiatives move from an initial vision to a fully operational credit union and building a perpetual factory of credit union evangelists along the way.
For more information about Corporate Central and its support for emerging and newly chartered credit unions, visit corpcu.com.
Helping Members to be Wildly Successful
About Corporate Central Credit Union
Corporate Central Credit Union is a federally insured financial cooperative built on the values of commitment to service, fiscal responsibility, and respect for the individual. We cultivate a culture of respect, ethics, teamwork, and innovation. We are "Helping Members to be Wildly Successful" by delivering industry knowledge and expertise to help credit unions achieve their strategic objectives and compete in today’s evolving financial services industry. We are motivated to passionately serve our members and strive to learn, create, and innovate daily. Please visit corpcu.com to learn more, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
About the Seattle University Credit Union Initiative
The Seattle University Credit Union Initiative (SUCUI) is a student-run, non-profit initiative working to charter a not-for-profit credit union based in the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University. SUCUI offers educational tools, financial access, and hands-on experience for students as it works toward chartering a credit union to serve the Seattle University community. Please visit sucui.org to learn more.
About the George Washington University Credit Union Initiative
The George Washington University Credit Union Initiative (GWUCUI) is a student-run effort to charter a not-for-profit credit union serving the GW community in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to help students bank affordably, build credit, better manage their finances, and develop valuable skills they can bring to their careers. Please visit gwucui.com to learn more.
