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Competition

2026 Case: Inclusive Financial Systems

Case Overview

In the 2026 Grow the Good in Business™ Case Competition, students will confront the urgent question of how businesses can help build a more accessible and inclusive financial system. Millions of individuals and small businesses still face significant barriers to affordable payments, credit and financial services—challenges that disproportionately affect lower-income households, gig workers, immigrants and underserved communities. As innovative tools like stablecoins and faster payment technologies emerge, businesses have a unique opportunity to expand financial access, strengthen economic mobility and support the long-term well-being of the people and communities they serve.

This year’s competition invites students to design responsible, scalable solutions that address real-world financial inclusion challenges and explore how cross-sector collaboration—with government, nonprofits, fintechs and philanthropic partners—can accelerate impact. Through this work, students will examine how thoughtful business strategies can drive meaningful change in financial systems, contributing to a fairer, more resilient economic future for all.

Read the full case prompt

Winning Teams - Graduate

1st place

Team 1 | Lauren Suga (MBA), Bridge Bach (MBA), Gabe Ohliger (MBA), Alex Etienne (MBA)

2nd place

Nestfund | Diana Lara (MBA), Jennifer Goldie (MBA), Chris Rovero (MBA), Katelyn Dong (MBA)

3rd place

ASK | Amber Clarke (Executive MBA), Kelly Griffin (Executive MBA), Stefanie Rigg (Executive MBA)

Winning Teams – Undergraduate

1st place

Golden Access | Grace Kloster (Business Analytics, Sociology), Jacob Zybura (Finance, Economics)

2nd place

The Competitive Advantage | Bernice Antoine (Business Analytics), Manny Uzobuife (Science-Business)

3rd place

Mendoza's Finest | Alex Fitzpatrick (Finance), Luke Klingele (Chemical Engineering), Clara Lawrence (Business Analytics, ACMS), Isabel Torres (Strategic Management, Political Science)

Credit Halo | Christian Leusch (Finance), Alex Mazzucco (Strategic Management)

Speakers

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Final Round Judging Panel

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Platinum Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors are lead partners of the competition, receiving premier recognition through a keynote speaking opportunity. Platinum Sponsors gain access to top talent through exclusive networking events, fostering meaningful connections with students and industry leaders. Additionally, they also have a seat on the judging panel, allowing them to engage with and evaluate innovative solutions.

Diamond Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors are key partners of the competition, receiving prominent recognition and exclusive access to top talent through exclusive networking events, fostering meaningful connections with students and industry leaders. Additionally, they have a seat on the judging panel, allowing them to engage with and evaluate innovative solutions.

Gold Sponsors

Gold Sponsors are valued partners of the competition, gaining recognition and access to top talent through an exclusive networking event, where they can connect with students and industry professionals. Additionally, they have a seat on the judging panel, allowing them to engage with and evaluate innovative solutions.

Strategic Partners

Strategic Partners play a vital role in shaping the competition and helping enhance the overall experience for participants. As thought partners, Strategic Partners will be actively involved in preparing students to compete, ensuring they gain valuable skills and directly contributing to the competition’s success. Additionally, they have a seat on the judging panel, allowing them to engage with and evaluate innovative solutions.