Women's Business Center of Utah

✨ Introducing a new way to connect, collaborate, and grow — one cup at a time. The Women’s Business Center of Utah is proud to launch Sweets & Strategies, a monthly morning meetup created to support women entrepreneurs, small business owners, and future founders in Utah. Held the first Thursday of each month, this event offers a welcoming environment for professional connection, community learning, and strategic conversations — all over coffee and local pastries. 📍 Root’s Coffee | 774 S 300 W, Salt Lake City 🗓️ Launching Thursday, May 1st 🕘 9:00 – 10:30 AM 🍩 Featuring pastries by Dough Lady 💼 In partnership with Cyprus Credit Union and Root's Coffee We’ve designed Sweets & Strategies to inspire fresh thinking and authentic relationships that strengthen Utah’s small business ecosystem. Space is limited to 50 registrants. 🔗 Register today: https://lnkd.in/ggC76nBP #SweetsAndStrategies #WBCUtah #WomenInLeadership #UtahEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessSupport #ProfessionalNetworking #WomenOwnedBusiness #CommunityBuilding #EntrepreneurshipDevelopment #SLCSmallBusiness #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipEvents #LinkedInLocalUtah #SaltLakeCityBusiness #PurposeDrivenLeadership

We had such an inspiring time at Westminster University’s Talk About Business: AI-Powered Strategies for Building Tomorrow’s Business conference this past week! A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Richard Haskell and the Center for Financial Wellness for bringing together such a thoughtful and forward-looking event and for inviting the Women’s Business Center of Utah to be part of the conversation. Our State Director, Ann Marie Wallace, had the honor of joining a panel of Utah leaders who are paving the way for innovation. The discussion explored how artificial intelligence is transforming business operations, marketing, workforce development, and entrepreneurship and how women business owners can take the lead in this new frontier. We were proud to share the room with so many brilliant voices. This event was more than just a conference, it was a reminder that the future of business is collaborative, inclusive, and full of opportunity. We’re excited to continue supporting Utah’s women entrepreneurs as they explore the power of technology and lead with vision and confidence. Let’s build what’s next, together. #WBCUtah #WomenInBusiness #UtahEntrepreneurs #AIForSmallBusiness #WomenWhoLead #EmpoweredByAI #FutureOfBusiness #WomenOwnedUtah #SmallBusinessInnovation #InclusiveTech #UtahBusinessCommunity #EntrepreneurshipMatters #SheLeadsWithPurpose

The WBCUtah Online Academy is your go-to resource for self-paced, practical business education designed specifically for women entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, our courses will help you build confidence, sharpen your strategy, and move forward with purpose. Start where you are. Learn at your pace. Grow your business with clarity. Explore the Online Academy and enroll today: https://lnkd.in/gVWNJwPC #WBCUtah #OnlineAcademy #WomenInBusiness #InvestInYourself #EntrepreneurEducation #SmallBusinessSupport #YourJourneyStartsHere

Whether you're dreaming of launching a business or looking to take your company to the next level, WBCUtah is here to walk alongside you—step by step. We provide the tools, training, and one-on-one support women entrepreneurs need to turn ideas into action, and goals into growth. Your journey as a business owner is uniquely yours—and we’re here to help you make it count. Ready to take the first step? Explore our free resources, upcoming classes, and connect with a business advisor today: www.wbcutah.org #YourJourneyStartsHere #WBCUtah #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusinessSupport #UtahEntrepreneurs

#TipTuesday: Wondering Who Your Ideal Customer Is? If you're not sure who you're trying to reach, it’s hard to create a brand that connects or a strategy that delivers. Defining your ideal customer is the first step toward a marketing funnel that works. 1. Reflect on Your Best (or Dream) Customers Think about the people you love working with—or, if you’re just starting out, who you want to serve. Who values your product or service most? Who gives great feedback, returns often, or refers others? Example: Maria owns a small-batch bakery in Ogden. Her favorite customers are young professionals and parents who love fresh, locally made pastries for birthdays, events, or weekend treats. 2. Ask the Right Questions What problem do I solve—and for who? What are their habits, values, and frustrations? Where do they spend time, online and offline? Example: Maria solves the challenge of finding high-quality, handmade desserts without the hassle of baking. Her ideal customer is a busy parent or event host who wants something reliable and beautifully presented. They’re active on Instagram and go to local farmer’s markets. 3. Build a Buyer Persona Create a clear picture of your ideal customer. Example: Jessica is a 38-year-old working mom. She supports local, plans ahead, and wants to impress guests with great desserts—but doesn’t have time to bake. She follows local foodies and orders online. 4. Use This Profile to Build a Funnel Now Maria can create messaging that moves Jessica through a funnel: - Awareness: Reels showing cupcakes being decorated - Consideration: Client reviews, seasonal specials - Conversion: Pre-order form for Mother’s Day boxes with early bird pricing Want help defining your ideal customer and building a strategy that works? Meet with one of our business advisors for free: https://lnkd.in/gWTdb5_X Your message gets stronger—and results grow—when you speak directly to the right person. #WBCUtah #MarketingTips #IdealCustomer #WomenInBusiness #UtahEntrepreneurs #OnlineLearning #MarketingFunnel #CustomerTargeting

April is full of opportunities to build skills, make connections, and move your business forward wherever you are on your journey. Whether you're launching a new idea, managing a growing team, or fine-tuning your brand strategy, there’s a training designed for you. Check out this month’s lineup: 📅 Apr. 02 | 9 a.m. Minding My Own Business (Class Full) 📅 Apr. 03 | 1 p.m. Building Connections in Kanab (Kanab) https://lnkd.in/gThCqF8H 📅 Apr. 08 | 9 a.m. WBCUtah Orientation: Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Journey! https://lnkd.in/gvFt5hPF 📅 Apr. 16 | 12 p.m. Women Business Owners of the Basin (Vernal) https://lnkd.in/gytXPPkk 📅 Apr. 16 | 12 p.m. Solve the Business Puzzle: Branding & Content Strategy https://lnkd.in/gt9uwFpu 📅 Apr. 17 | 10 a.m. Business 101: Essential Steps for New Entrepreneurs https://lnkd.in/gMeDDaUH 📅 Apr. 22 | 11 a.m. WBCUtah Orientation: Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Journey! https://lnkd.in/gvFt5hPF ✨ These trainings are free, practical, and designed to give you tools you can use right away. Tag a fellow entrepreneur who should join you! What are you signing up for this month? #WBCUtah #WomenOwnIt #AprilEvents #UtahWomenInBusiness #FreeTrainings #SmallBusinessSupport

Out & About: Mindful Movement Moab We love highlighting women across Utah who are creating meaningful change in their communities—and today, we’re celebrating Crystal Blanks, founder of Mindful Movement Moab. Crystal is a highly trained wellness practitioner and educator based in Moab, Utah. With certifications including 500 RYT, 200-Hour Mindfulness Instructor, Reiki Master, Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor, Y12SR (Yoga of 12-Step Recovery), and Aerial Yoga Teacher, she brings a deeply holistic and trauma-informed approach to healing. Since beginning her yoga journey in 1999 and earning her teaching certification in 2019, Crystal has been offering a wide range of wellness classes across Moab. She also works one-on-one with clients in her private office, specializing in yoga, Reiki, and personalized wellness coaching. In addition, she handcrafts wellness products like malas and essential oil rollers—thoughtfully made to support everyday self-care practices. At the heart of Mindful Movement Moab is Crystal’s mission to help individuals develop daily habits that support their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through every class, session, and handmade offering, she is nurturing a healthier, more mindful Moab. Learn more about her work at: https://lnkd.in/dCTwujwg #WBCUtah #OutAndAbout #WomenInBusiness #MindfulMovementMoab #MoabEntrepreneurs #HolisticWellness #UtahSmallBusiness #WomenOwnIt

Our Southern Utah team had the honor of attending the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce’s Element Awards Luncheon—an inspiring event recognizing women who are making a powerful economic impact in Washington County. We were proud to celebrate two outstanding women who exemplify leadership, innovation, and commitment to community: Jill Hunt, owner of Buddy Mail, and Colette Cox of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Jill leads the way as the founder of Southern Utah’s largest and only full-size monthly direct mail publication. Her passion for supporting local businesses is reflected not only in her work with Buddy Mail, but also in her continued support of the Women’s Business Center of Utah as a conference sponsor. Colette Cox, a dedicated champion for rural business across Utah, plays a key role in driving economic opportunity through her work at the state level. As a resource partner and an active member of our Southern WBCUtah Advisory Committee, she brings invaluable insight and support to the women we serve throughout the region. We’re deeply grateful for the leadership, partnership, and positive momentum these women bring to our Southern Utah communities. Congratulations to all the Element Award honorees who are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive economy.

#TipTuesday: Wondering where to access funding for your business? You’re not alone and there are options: 1. Meet with a WBCUtah Business Advisor This is your first and most important step. We’ll help you understand what funding is right for your business grants, loans, or other resources and how to qualify. Schedule your free appointment here: https://lnkd.in/gWTdb5_X 2. Understand the Types of Funding Grants – No repayment, but often competitive. Microloans – Small loans for startups or early-stage businesses. Lines of Credit – Helpful for managing cash flow. Traditional Loans – Larger amounts, often require a strong credit history. 3. Use Trusted Tools Explore our Funding 101 resource library: https://lnkd.in/g795Xiug Search for grants at: grants.gov and ifundwomen.com Learn about SBA loan options: sba.gov/funding-programs Funding your business takes clarity, planning, and the right support, let’s take that first step together.

Out & About: Dippers Bananas Great businesses often start with a simple idea and a whole lot of passion, that’s exactly how Dippers Bananas came to life. While traveling across the country, Olivia Small discovered chocolate-dipped bananas and quickly became a fan. When she returned home to Cedar City, she realized there was nowhere to find this fun, nostalgic treat, so she started making them herself. What began as a homemade indulgence soon became something bigger. Friends and family couldn’t get enough, encouraging Olivia to bring her treats to local farmers' markets. As demand grew, so did her vision. Within just a few months, she and her brother, Ian Small, opened the first Dippers Bananas storefront on January 30, 2024. For Olivia, a former art student, this business is more than just frozen bananas, it’s a place where creativity and community come together. Every chocolate-dipped banana is a work of art, and every visit to Dippers is an experience designed to bring joy to the Cedar City community. At WBCUtah, we love seeing entrepreneurs like Olivia and Ian turn their ideas into thriving businesses. If you’ve got a dream, we’re here to help you make it happen. Stop by and taste the magic: dippersbananas.com #WomenEntrepreneurs #DippersBananas #ShopLocal #WomenOwningIt #WBCUtah #CedarCityEats #DiscoverUtah