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Utah Program Offers Business Training for Women

The Banking on Women initiative helps female entrepreneurs develop skills and access capital through intensive training.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Women’s Issues

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The Utah Microloan Fund’s Banking on Women initiative provides essential training to female entrepreneurs, addressing barriers like capital access and mentorship. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Utah Microloan Fund operates the Banking on Women program to provide essential business training to female entrepreneurs across the state. This 15-week course helps participants learn how to write business plans, conduct market research, and manage company financials.

Why it matters

The initiative addresses significant barriers facing female business owners, including limited access to capital, childcare challenges, and a lack of mentorship. By providing structured support, the program helps participants navigate the complexities of launching and sustaining their own enterprises.

The program accepts 30 participants per session and serves women from 23 of Utah’s 29 counties. It has been operating since 2010 to assist entrepreneurs with training and funding.

The players

Utah Microloan Fund

This organization provides financial assistance and educational resources to small business owners across the state.

Westminster University

This private university located in Salt Lake City serves as a primary site for the program's in-person educational classes.

The details

Classes are held on Tuesday evenings at Westminster University or via virtual sessions on Wednesday evenings. The curriculum is designed to equip women with practical business tools, and the fund also provides ongoing funding assistance to both program participants and non-participants.

Timeline

  1. The Banking on Women program has been operating since 2010.

  2. A report on women-owned businesses was published in 2025.

  3. Applications for the current program session are due October 30, 2026.

Culture Shift

The Banking on Women program works to improve Utah's national ranking of 45th for women-owned businesses by providing targeted training. This initiative capitalizes on a movement to increase the 16% share of businesses currently owned by women in the state.

Aspiring female entrepreneurs can gain the business planning and financial management skills necessary to launch or expand their own companies. Participants benefit from the program's structured curriculum, which is tailored to help navigate the specific hurdles of the Utah market.

The takeaway

Accessing formal training and mentorship is a critical step for women looking to overcome capital barriers in the business world. Entrepreneurs interested in growth should prioritize identifying programs that offer both professional education and direct financial assistance.

What happens next

Prospective participants must submit their applications for the current training session by October 30, 2026.

Further reading

Learn more about local efforts to support female entrepreneurs in the Women’s Issues section.

More information

To review eligibility requirements or start your registration, visit the Banking on Women program application.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Salt Lake Tribune.

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Do you believe specialized training programs are the most effective way to support local women entrepreneurs?