Author: Sara Day

Halee Windley had always wanted to open a food truck. As a medical assistant, she knew how to care for patients, but starting a business was unfamiliar territory.

Through Banking on Women, she found a place to begin.

Now, the Banking on Women graduate runs Taste Spuds, a potato catering business serving baked potatoes and potato casseroles. Her story is featured in an October 26th article by Salt Lake Tribune reporter Paighten Harkins, highlighting how the program helps Utah women build the skills and confidence to pursue business ownership.

“I’m creating this life that I only dreamt about,” Halee told the Tribune.

Her next goal? A food truck and growing the business enough to make it her full-time work.

_{Just some of the tasty menu options Halee offers. Left to right: Steak & White Cheddar Mac-N-Cheese, Tikka Masala, Steak & Elote}

Helping Women Take the Next Step

A Partnership That Makes It Possible

Synchrony owns and funds Banking on Women, providing full scholarships for accepted participants and a $300 mini-grant for those who complete the program requirements.

Westminster University serves as the educational partner, delivering the curriculum and instruction with the educational excellence it brings to the program.

The Utah Microloan Fund supports statewide outreach, connecting women with Banking on Women and additional business education, advising, and lending resources.

Explore Banking on Women

Whether you’re developing an idea or working to grow an existing business, Banking on Women offers guidance and a community to learn alongside. Cohort options include in-person classes in Salt Lake City and a virtual cohort designed for women in rural Utah.

Learn more about Banking on Women and upcoming application opportunities.

Read Halee’s full story in The Salt Lake Tribune.

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?

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

1. Contact your regional Custom Fit office before training begins. Reach out before registering or paying so you understand the approval process.
2. Share the training details. Have the course description, provider, dates, cost, and number of employees attending ready.
3. Complete the application and agreement. Your coordinator will explain the required paperwork and approved funding.
4. Attend the training and keep your records. You may need to pay the full cost upfront.
5. 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.