
From having a slight interest in franchising to buying a new franchise, to enhancing operations for an existing one, building the right skills and knowledge is essential for every stage of the franchising journey. Join successful alumni franchise owners and make the leap from employee to entrepreneur through a no-cost, seven-week Franchise Certification program offered by the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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Franchising is where business meets opportunity and structure, but it can be intimidating. That’s why Haslam provides a unique learning opportunity for learners of all educational and professional backgrounds who are considering franchising for the first time . With insider perspectives on what really works, not just textbook theory, participants learn university-level franchising fundamentals from a certified franchise executive with 30 years of experience, all at no cost.
Gain the skills and tools necessary to understand the foundations of franchising , to buy or scale a franchise and establish a foundation for lasting success. In just seven weeks, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to go from exploring franchise ownership to embracing the freedom and possibilities of being in business for yourself, but not by yourself.
Follow the steps in the Guide: Canvas Catalog: Enroll in a Course. If you are not an active UT student, faculty, or staff, please create a guest account and log in using the “without UTK NetID” option. UT users should log in with their UT NetID and password.
Within seven weeks, participants gain experience in the seven main components of the franchising business, including:


With live, online evening sessions from an expert instructor, Haslam’s Franchise Certification program offers flexibility and comprehensive support, where the only investment is your time.
Live, online classes give you the ability to join from anywhere with the benefits of live teaching and classroom collaboration.
Thanks to a generous donation from Shelly Sun Berkowitz
Mondays beginning October 6, 2025
6-7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
A ceremony awarding each participant a Haslam College of Business certificate of achievement in franchising will take place at the end of the course.
Laura Fisher moved into the franchising world a few years ago and wanted to dive into the framework of franchising at a foundational level.
Allison Roy currently works for a franchisor and attended the most recent Franchise Certification course. She enjoyed learning from other franchisees and franchisors.
Grant Carter leads training and front-end for a franchise. He attended the most recent Franchise Certification program course and enjoyed the deep dive of franchising fundamentals.
Sharon Strange is a past student who shares her experience in the franchise certification program and how it has impacted her life and career.
Andrea Riley, a program alumna, shares how the franchise certification program has shaped her career.
Robert Wynkoop reflects on his experience in the franchise certification program and the lasting impact it has had on his personal and professional journey.

Now is the time to claim your spot in the October 2025 cohort and learn directly from a seasoned industry leader in a collaborative, hands-on environment. This is your opportunity to gain the insider knowledge that has shaped today’s most successful franchise owners. Apply now to turn your interest in franchising into the confidence and readiness to lead.