Liniger Center on Franchising
Franchise Business Model Mastery Program
The Franchise Business Model Mastery program is a series of three courses designed for all individuals who want to learn more about franchising and the key tenets of business format franchising. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, the program is your gateway to mastering thefoundational principles and intricacies of the franchise model.
Those who complete this program will leave feeling confident in their ability to approach and evaluate all aspects of franchising and effectively respond to the challenges of managing in a franchise environment. All students who complete the program also receive a digital micro-credential as well as CFE continuing education credits.
Program Structure
The program begins with a required online course, followed by two on-campus workshops.
The Introduction to Franchising (online prerequisite course)
The Introduction to Franchising course will take approximately 10 hours to complete at your own pace. It introduces the franchise model and lays out foundational information needed for attending the three-day in-person/classroom sessions. This course only needs to be taken once, but must be completed before attending either of the in-person Journey sessions.
In-person Journey workshops
After the Introduction to Franchising course is completed, the Journey sessions can be completed in either order or independently.
Each Journey session is a three-day intensive on-campus classroom workshop. These dynamic classes incorporate research, case studies, interactive exercises and group projects to foster new insights and strategies, and bring in key industry professionals as guest speakers to share expertise and key insights.
- The Franchisor Journey looks at all aspects of franchising from a franchisor perspective, with a systematic growth approach.
- The Franchisee Journey looks at all aspects of franchising from a franchisee perspective, with a unit economics approach.
Recognition of Completion
The Franchise Business Model Mastery Program micro-credential is backed by the University of Denver’s more than 150 years of excellence. Upon completion of this program, participants will have a deep understanding of the franchise business model, including its history, evolution and key growth stages from both franchisor and franchisee perspectives. They will emerge empowered and confident, ready to navigate the complexities of franchising. Whether a franchisee, franchisor, or supplier, participants will master core franchising principles, preparing them to effectively address challenges and thrive in a franchise environment.
Participants who complete the program receive a digital badge, which is a clickable image that houses information validating these skills and that can be shared on social media and in digital resumes and e-portfolios to increase marketability. Learn more about the University of Denver’s digital badging program.
Certified Franchise Executive Credits
All three courses are eligible for continuing education credits from the International Franchise Association as outlined below:
- Introduction to Franchising (online): 9 CFE Education credits
- The Franchisor Journey: 16 CFE IFA LIVE Education credits
- The Franchisee Journey: 16 CFE IFA LIVE Education credits
Faculty
This program was developed by Ben Litalien, DM, CFE, a highly regarded expert in franchising with over 30 years of franchise experience and a doctorate from the University of Maryland with a focus on franchising, Ben is an educator on franchising for companies and associations across the globe, and is the primary instructor for our courses.
Workshops to expand your business knowledge
Along with building franchising participants’ expertise in the franchising industry specifically, the Liniger Center supports franchisors and franchisees in building their leadership skills and overall business acumen. To do this, we’ve partnered with Executive Education at the Daniels College of Business, which offers courses in leadership, communication, general business skills and more.
Upcoming workshops