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Grow with Guidance, Thrive with Community

Whether you’re dreaming of your first business or building on what you’ve already started, Banking on Women connects you with the skills and community to keep growing. Apply now and let us help you take your business to the next level during this 15-week program led by the amazing staff at Westminster University.

Banking on Women is our entrepreneurship program designed to help women in Utah make their dreams of entrepreneurship a reality. Through hands-on help, mentorship, and weekly classes, we are here to help you launch and grow. In partnership with Westminster University and Synchrony, let us help you take the next step!

Walk Away With:

- A completed business plan

- Confidence to pitch your business
​​
- Tools and skills to manage your finances​
- A supportive network of women in business, mentors, and lenders
​
​- Market research and branding strategies
“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?

- We boast a proven track record of helping women launch and grow successful businesses since 2010

- Participants may join this program at no personal cost thanks to scholarships provided by our partner Synchrony​

- Expert instruction from Westminster University faculty

​- Virtual option available for rural Utah—accessible from anywhere

- Take your business from the idea stage to reality or grow the business you already own

- Gain well-rounded expertise in entrepreneurship

You may even make some awesome friends along the way! 

Cohort Info

In-Person Cohort

  • Eligible for those in Salt Lake and the surrounding counties
  • Tuesday nights from 6-9pm

Rural Virtual Cohort

  • Eligible for those who live in Utah's rural counties (Salt Lake, Weber, Davis, Utah counties not eligible)
  • Wednesday nights from 6-9pm
  • Held via Zoom​​

Upcoming Dates

Fall 2026

05/01: Applications due at Midnight
05/18: Notification of Acceptance into Program
08/25: Start Date for In-Person Cohort
08/26: Start Date for Rural Virtual Cohort
11/23: Completion of Rural Virtual Cohort
11/18: Completion of In-Person Cohort

Spring 2027

TBD

Apply Today!

Ready to get started?
This will take you to Synchrony’s site where they host the application, click Apply for Program.
​
Deadline for Fall 2026: May 1st 
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Made Possible By

This program would not be possible without our partner Synchrony Bank.​
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!
Alan Urie
​Senior Vice President
Alysa Peterson
​VP, Community Development


​Deborah Marzano
Banking on Women Program Director
​Westminster Faculty
Contact:
[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: 
​Westminster’s Banking on Women™ Partnership Helps Female Entrepreneurs Find Success in Business