Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
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The Tariq Farid Franchise Institute is a part of the Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership »
Fireside Chat Somia Farid

The Tariq Farid Franchise Institute at Babson College

Developing Tomorrow's Franchise Leaders and Expanding Opportunities Through Franchise Entrepreneurship 

The Tariq Farid Franchise Institute at Babson College is shaping the future of franchise entrepreneurship through innovative education, experiential learning, and industry engagement. By combining Babson's renowned entrepreneurial expertise with insights from franchise executives, operators, and founders, the Institute prepares students to understand, evaluate, and succeed within the franchise business model.

800 Billion

As a leader in franchise business education, the Institute helps students explore how franchising creates pathways for business ownership, economic mobility, and entrepreneurial growth. Through academic programs, industry partnerships, events, research, and mentorship opportunities, students gain practical knowledge that can help them launch, manage, or scale franchise businesses.

The Institute is part of the Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership and collaborates with centers and institutes across Babson to offer a uniquely interdisciplinary approach to learning, leadership, and entrepreneurial action.

The Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College is grounded in values-based leadership and enhances Babson's entrepreneurial mindset beyond the classroom, equipping learners to grow as entrepreneurial leaders across industries and stages of life.

Jonathan Epstein MBA'98 (Right), Founder & CEO, Supergl0rious & CDM Fitness Holdings

Franchise and Entrepreneurship: A Powerful Connection

Franchising is one of the most accessible pathways to entrepreneurship, yet many business programs offer limited exposure to the field. The Tariq Farid Franchise Institute bridges that gap by exploring the intersection of franchise and entrepreneurship through research, education, and practical experiences.

Students gain insight into how entrepreneurs use franchising to scale successful concepts, create jobs, and expand into new markets. At the same time, future franchisees learn how entrepreneurial thinking can help them innovate, adapt, and grow within established systems.

By bringing together academic expertise and industry knowledge, the Institute is expanding what franchise business education can look like for the next generation of business leaders.

Babson students in class

Scholarships, Industry Access, and Experiential Learning

The Institute works to increase access to franchising careers and entrepreneurial opportunities through networking, mentorship, experiential learning, and franchise scholarship opportunities when available. These experiences help students engage directly with franchise leaders, explore career paths, and build meaningful connections across the industry.

Students benefit from experience with franchise founders, operators, executives, and investors, gaining perspectives that extend beyond the traditional classroom experience.

President Spinelli on the Stars of Franchising Podcast

Franchise Podcasts, Research, and Industry Insights

The Institute extends learning beyond the classroom through thought leadership, research, events, and multimedia content that explore emerging trends in franchising and entrepreneurship.

One example is Stars of Franchising, the Institute's flagship franchise podcast, which features stories of inspiration, entrepreneurial grit, and real-world business growth. Hosted by Ab Igram and Vini Onyemah, the podcast explores the questions aspiring franchise entrepreneurs ask most often—from how to identify the right franchise opportunity to overcome obstacles, navigating setbacks, and achieving growth at scale.

Through conversations with global pioneers, innovators, and visionaries who are pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams through the franchise business model, Stars of Franchising provides practical insights and lessons for current and future franchise leaders. New episodes are released weekly, helping listeners stay connected to the latest ideas, trends, and opportunities shaping the franchise industry.