801-746-1180
Entrepreneurship Program

Build your business with guidance, community, and support.​

Banking on Women is our 15-week program that helps Utah women start or grow a business through weekly classes, mentorship, and connections with other women in business.​
​Banking on Women is made possible through the generous support of Synchrony.

Is Banking on Women right for you?​

This program may be a good fit if:

  • You live in Utah.
  • You have a business or an idea for one.​
  • You can attend weekly three-hour classes for approximately 15 weeks.
  • You want to learn alongside and build connections with other women in business.

What You Will Gain

  • A completed business plan.
  • Confidence presenting your business.
  • Tools for managing business finances.
  • Market research and branding strategies.
  • Connections with women in business, mentors, and lenders.
  • A $300 microgrant after completing the program requirements.
"This is such a great program! One of the many things I loved about this program was the interaction with other amazing women and sharing ideas. Make sure you check it out - it’s well worth your time!”
Lisa Wise
Banking on Women Graduate

Why Apply?

  • Participants may join this program at no personal cost thanks to scholarships provided by Synchrony
  • Expert instruction from Westminster University faculty
  • ​Virtual option available for rural Utah—accessible from anywhere
  • Gain well-rounded expertise in entrepreneurship
In-Person
  • Eligible for those in Salt Lake and the surrounding counties
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  • Tuesday evenings from 6-9pm
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Rural/Virtual
  • Eligible for those who live in Utah's rural counties (Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, Utah counties not eligible)
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  • Wednesday evenings  from 6-9pm
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  • Held via Zoom​​

​​How the Program Works

1. Apply
Complete the online application and tell us about your business or business idea.

2. Application review
Applications are reviewed after the deadline. You may be contacted with additional questions.

3. Acceptance notification
Selected applicants are notified approximately one to two weeks after the application deadline.

4. Attend the program
Meet weekly with your cohort for classes, guidance, and business plan development.

5. Complete your business plan and presentation
Participants finish the program by submitting a business plan and presenting their business on Pitch Night.

6. Receive your microgrant
Participants who complete the program requirements receive a $300 microgrant from Synchrony.

Apply Today!

Ready to get started?
The application is hosted on Synchrony’s website.
After opening the application page, select
​Apply for Program to begin.​

Applications must be submitted by October 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
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Upcoming cohort dates​

Spring 2027 Dates
Application Timeline
  • October 6th: Virtual information session
  • October 30th, 11:59 p.m.: Application deadline
  • November 13th: Applicants notified of their acceptance status
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In-Person Cohort: January 19 - April 20, 2027

Rural Virtual Cohort: January 20 - April 14, 2027
​

Program Partners

​A founding partner of the program, the team at Synchrony goes above and beyond by offering not only financial support but also invaluable mentoring, guidance, and active engagement with every business that participates in their program.  

​Thank you, Synchrony, for your exceptional support! 
Westminster University is our education partner for the program. Their experienced faculty and instructors facilitate the full 15-week course, ensuring the program is structured, practical, and accessible while providing strong guidance and support.
Program Contact:

​​Deborah Marzano
Banking on Women Program Director
​Westminster Faculty

​Email:
[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

​​Who can apply for Banking on Women?
​
  • You live in Utah
  • You have an existing business or a great idea for one you would like to start.
  • You are able to commit to attending the majority of the weekly 3-hour classes on Westminster's campus.
  • You are excited to attend and learn, and ready to form new connections in your cohort. 
What is the application process?
  1. Visit Banking on Women Application and fill out your application. Be as detailed and thorough as possible. Stand out from the crowd! :)
  2. Once the application deadline has passed, we will review all of the submissions and then reach out with additional questions.
  3. Within 1-2 weeks we will then let you know if you are admitted to the program. 
​It's that simple!
What is the cost of the program?
Through the generosity of our partner and sponsor Synchrony Bank, those accepted for this course are offered a full scholarship. 
How many people are in each cohort?
The class is limited to 15 participants which provides a unique networking and learning experience for each woman.  Many of our participants have built friendships for life from this program!​
What is the time commitment?
Each cohort runs approximately 15 weeks long with participants meeting weekly on Tuesday nights from 6-9pm for the SLC In-Person Cohort, and Wednesday nights for the Rural Virtual Cohort.
​Do participants receive funding for their business?
Upon fulfilling the program requirements, including submission of their final business plan and delivery of their business presentation, students will be awarded a micro-grant generously provided by Synchrony. 
​
Banking on Women is also a great stepping stone as this program looks great on a resume for those participants who wish to apply for a microloan at the end of the program. 
I have questions about the program, who do I contact?
Deborah Marzano is the Program Director for Banking on Women. Her email is [email protected]
​​In the news: