Online Franchising Certification
Built by Industry EXPERTS
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.
Need more information?
Franchise Certification Program
Empowering Success at NO COST
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.
Benefits of Haslam’s Franchise Certification program:
- Industry expert instructor with 30 years of real-world experience
- University-backed curriculum designed by actual franchise operators
- Franchise-knowledgeable in only seven weeks
- Personalized attention and networking
- In-depth, premium learning at no cost
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.
CORDELL RILEY
Shelly Sun Berkowitz
The Super Seven
Within seven weeks, participants gain experience in the seven main components of the franchising business, including:
- Foundations: How franchising differs from other businesses
- Evaluation: Determining the right franchise business for you
- Acquisition: Learning to write a business plan and obtain funding
- Building: Recruiting, hiring and retaining franchise employees
- Leadership: Modeling the qualities of a successful franchise leader
- Operations: Managing and measuring operational components of franchising
- Growth: Implementing successful practices to ensure successful growth
Franchise-Knowledgable Skills in Seven Weeks
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.
Remote Learning,
Redefined
Live, online classes give you the ability to join from anywhere with the benefits of live teaching and classroom collaboration.
PreMIUM COURSE without a premium pricetag
Thanks to a generous donation from Shelly Sun Berkowitz
Dates
Mondays beginning March 2, 2026
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.
Franchise Certification Program
Testimonials
Andrea Riley
Andrea Riley, a program alumna, has used the franchise certification program to shape her family’s career trajectory.
Laura Fisher
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
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
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
Sharon Strange is a past student who shares her experience in the franchise certification program and how it has impacted her life and career.
READY TO JOIN?
Our March 2026 cohort is full, but you can join our waitlist for the next class. 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. Sign up now to turn your interest in franchising into the confidence and readiness to lead.