Operations

Yum Brands, UofL, Howard University launch Yum Franchise Accelerator

Provided

February 4, 2022

Yum Brands Inc. is partnering with the University of Louisville and Howard University to launch the Yum Franchise Accelerator, a one-of-a-kind MBA elective opportunity supporting underrepresented people of color and women interested in the franchise restaurant industry.

Ten second-year MBA students from the two universities were selected to participate in the intensive five-month fellowship where they will have the opportunity to become future franchisees of Yum! Brands, parent company to FC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill, according to a press release.

"Yum Brands is proud to work with both the University of Louisville and Howard University on this groundbreaking partnership to train and advance underrepresented people of color and women entrepreneurs interested in building a career in the franchise restaurant industry," Scott Catlett, chief legal and franchise officer, Yum Brands, said in the release. "The fellowship is a win-win as the students will receive educational experiences, mentoring and hands-on training unlike any other, while Yum has the opportunity to welcome two talented business leaders and aspiring, diverse franchisees to our U.S. system."

The participants — six MBA students from Howard University and four from the University of Louisville — receive scholarships; extensive education on the franchise business model through the Yum Center for Global Franchise Excellence's franchising curriculum; one-of-a-kind mentorship from Yum Brands' top U.S. franchisees; in-restaurant training; a sponsored trip to Yum Brands' Louisville Restaurant Support Center and a number of unique curated franchising professional experiences during the semester.

The Yum Franchise Accelerator provides each student with learning focused on scholarship, mentorship and entrepreneurship that culminates in a pitch competition where two grand prize winners will receive seed money, additional training and mentorship, as well as an opportunity to become a future Yum franchisee.