Maybe your team needs help with QuickBooks. You have an employee ready for a leadership role. Or an industry certification could help your business offer a new service.
Training can help your business grow, but the cost can make it difficult to prioritize. Utah’s Custom Fit program helps eligible businesses pay for training that strengthens their employees’ skills.
What Is Custom Fit?
Custom Fit is a state-supported program that connects Utah businesses with customized training and financial assistance through regional colleges and universities.
Your local Custom Fit team can help identify training needs, explore providers, and determine whether a course or workshop qualifies for funding. The program focuses on training a company’s current employees.
How Can It Help Your Business?
Depending on regional approval, training may cover topics such as:
- Business software: QuickBooks, Excel, and other tools your team uses.
- Leadership and management: Supervising employees, communicating clearly, and developing managers.
- Marketing and customer service: Strengthening customer relationships and improving your team’s skills.
- Safety and technical skills: Industry training, safety certifications, and specialized equipment instruction.
- Professional development: Eligible continuing education, workshops, online courses, and conferences.
Training may take place online, at your business, at a college, or through another approved provider. If you already have a trainer or course in mind, ask your coordinator whether it qualifies.
Who Is Eligible?
Custom Fit generally serves for-profit businesses located in Utah. Nonprofit organizations may be considered with special approval for significant economic impact.
Additional requirements depend on your regional provider. If you are self-employed or seeking training for yourself as the owner, ask your coordinator about eligibility before enrolling.
How Much Will Custom Fit Pay?
The amount depends on your region, the training, and available funding.
For example, Mountainland Technical College advertises assistance covering up to 40% of eligible training costs, while Utah State University’s southeast region advertises up to 50%. Your coordinator will confirm the amount available for your request.
For a $1,000 course approved at a 40% reimbursement rate, your business would receive $400 back after meeting the requirements.
How to Get Started
- Contact your regional Custom Fit office before training begins. Reach out before registering or paying so you understand the approval process.
- Share the training details. Have the course description, provider, dates, cost, and number of employees attending ready.
- Complete the application and agreement. Your coordinator will explain the required paperwork and approved funding.
- Attend the training and keep your records. You may need to pay the full cost upfront.
- Submit your reimbursement documents on time. These typically include proof of payment and proof of attendance or completion.
Submission deadlines also vary by provider, so confirm when your documents are due. Travel, lodging, meals, and equipment purchases generally fall outside eligible training expenses.
Who Should You Contact?
Custom Fit is administered regionally through Utah’s colleges and universities.
Visit the statewide Custom Fit website and select your county to find your local provider, current contact information, and application details. Reach out before registering for training so your regional team can confirm eligibility, available funding, and approval requirements.
Take the First Step
Think about one skill that would help your business operate more smoothly, serve customers better, or prepare an employee for more responsibility. Then contact your Custom Fit coordinator to explore training options and available assistance.
At the Utah Microloan Fund, we help entrepreneurs connect with business education, advising, and funding resources throughout Utah. Visit our website to explore more support for starting, operating, and growing your business.