INVESTING IN COMMUNITY BANK INNOVATION

The financial landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and community banks have been at the center of this change and growth.

HOW WE INNOVATE

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ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator

A 10-week program connecting growth-stage fintechs and  community bank leaders.

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ICBA ThinkTECH Solutions Forums

A quick-hitting session featuring Accelerator alumni solving for specific industry issues.

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ICBA ThinkTECH Connect

A rapid-fire exchange exploring fintech solutions that address community bank needs.

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ICBA Solutions Directory

Access a comprehensive suite of community bank solutions including ICBA Preferred Service Providers and Corporate Members.

THE ACCELERATOR

During this 10-week Accelerator emerging fintech startups develop and fine-tune their offerings for community banks. This program provides a unique opportunity for community banks to help shape the solutions of the future.

Participants take part in an intensive bootcamp, working collaboratively with a distinguished network of industry leaders and community bank executives to refine their solutions to address community bank challenges and opportunities. Fifty-four percent of participants recently polled requested follow-up meetings with companies from the cohort.

Register Now Meet the Cohorts Apply for a Cohort

Atlanta: the home of community bank innovation

ICBA opened a dedicated center in Atlanta to support year-round programming in 2024. In this space, ICBA will host the only community bank-focused Accelerator program, regulator days, special events, and more.

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What people are saying about ICBA Innovation

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The greatest benefit of our partnership with the ICBA for the future of community banking lies in the power of information sharing. We gain access to a diverse pool of ideas and experiences, transcending regional limitations. It’s about realizing that sometimes, the answers we seek are not confined within our own walls, but lie in the collective wisdom of our community.”
— Christian Ruppe, Chief Innovation Officer, SVP, Colony Bank  
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A partnership with ICBA is a win-win. ICBA has one mission…community banks. The bank receives quality products while also helping to fund the advocacy efforts of ICBA. These partnerships enable competition with big players through community banking synergy, which preserves the community bank model into the future.”
— Ruth Christopher, Director, Citizens Bank of Las Cruces  
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Community banks are integral to our nation’s financial ecosystem and we’re proud to serve as an ICBA preferred service provider, helping to ensure that community banks have an accurate picture of bank performance as they develop and tailor their products and offerings to meet evolving customer needs.”
— Kim Snyder, Founder and CEO, KlariVis (PSP and Accelerator Company) 
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We are thrilled to have been a part of the ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program, which significantly contributed to our growth and innovation in the industry. Our participation not only provided us with access to a vast network of industry experts, mentorship, and invaluable support but also resulted in Spiral winning the prestigious MVP award.”
— Shawn Melamed, CEO and Co-founder of Spiral (Accelerator Company) 
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The ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator program has been integral to our success. Their nationally acclaimed accelerator program provided us with key resources that helped shape our strategy and ensured our solutions made a meaningful impact for community banks across the country.”
— Matthew Covi, Co-Founder and CEO, Chimney (Accelerator Company)  

BY THE NUMBERS

1,250 bankers from 885 banks participated in year-round innovation programming in 2023.

88% of members reported being likely to rely on ICBA products and solutions. 

92% of all ICBA member banks use at least one ICBA Preferred Service Provider. 

37,000 views from 5,000 users on the newly updated Solutions Directory, an exclusive ICBA member benefit

21 ICBA Preferred Service Providers offered 66 unique solutions.

IN THE NEWS

ThinkTECH Programs and Events Sponsored By

Interested in sponsorship opportunities with ICBA innovation?
Email Adam Mahone, SVP,  ICBA Innovation at adam.mahone@icba.org