UTK’s Haslam College debuts new franchise certificate program for entrepreneurs
The 13-week program is open to anyone interested in learning more about franchising.
One way to become a business owner is through franchising, and a new program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) aims to help students and professionals along that path.
The Haslam College of Business and the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UTK are now offering a one-semester Franchise Certificate Program. The inaugural group of students will begin the program this semester, and it is open to anyone regardless of university enrollment.
The Franchise Certificate Program provides students with a firm foundational knowledge of franchising as an entrepreneurial option, according to the program course description. It said entrepreneurs who want to balance the freedom of working for themselves with the support, training, and name recognition of an existing brand will learn many facets of franchising. Those considering a career with a franchisor or desiring to enhance their franchise knowledge will also benefit from this comprehensive curriculum.
In 13 weeks, participants will learn seven components of the franchise business, including acquisition, operations, and building a team.
The first semester of the certificate program will run from January through March 2023. Classes are all virtual and will be one hour per day for 13 weeks. The cost of the program is $4,000 per student, which includes all course materials.
“The first priority of The Franchise Business Program is to provide entrepreneurial options for potential future business owners,” said Lynn Youngs, Executive Director of the Anderson Center, in a release. “We are not only aiming to educate, but also to make a difference in the community by creating jobs, supporting the next generation of small business owners with a sound basis for entering the entrepreneurial marketplace, and providing innovative strategies for successful business practices.”
To help build the Franchise Certificate Program, Cordell Riley, a franchising expert with nearly 30 years of experience, aims to build the program out in the coming years to include minor and major offerings specifically in franchising.
“Over the next decade we will help to create entrepreneurs that will make a difference in our communities and leverage the ever-so-important entrepreneurial spirit we have as Americans,” said Riley.
Registration is still open here.
