OUR MISSION
Developing Tomorrow’s Franchise Leaders, Expanding Global Opportunities for Rising Entrepreneurs
The Tariq Farid Franchise Institute at Babson College creates and fosters cross-disciplinary programming that draws on Babson’s business and entrepreneurial expertise, combined with the experience and knowledge of franchising experts, to advance students’ understanding of franchising and the opportunities it can create.
The Institute is boldly transforming how business education is designed and delivered around the world. As part of the Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the institute collaborates with the other centers and institutes for a truly unique approach to learning.
Few institutions currently have programs dedicated to franchising education, and business education as a whole is lacking in franchising expertise. Babson provides opportunities to rising entrepreneurs with specific expertise, knowledge, and skills that will bolster their success in their future endeavors.
Ab Igram Founding Executive Director, The Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
What an exciting time to be at Babson! I am so proud of all the wonderful work and continued progress and excellence of our community. In the spirit of taking action, the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute was launched with a bold vision to capture the opportunity to educate students and leaders globally about the power of franchising to scale and create economic and social value.
Our institute is now in rapid growth phase, constantly evaluating new opportunities and innovating. This includes providing our students access to world class leaders and companies through experiential learning and guest lectures Our goal is to add to our students’ toolkits to prepare them not only for entrepreneurial ventures, but for a variety of career paths since franchising cuts across so many functions and roles Franchise brands are powerful forces that can be launching pads for career progression and fulfillment
We continue to collaborate with faculty by supporting research initiatives and also to fund and create new AI applications focused on franchising but also with broader impact.
One of the institute’s strategic imperatives is to offer lifelong learning programs and executive education to individuals, leaders and companies globally. Our new Franchise Entrepreneurial Leadership Toolkit is a new tool for franchisors and franchisees to access and learn from our incredible Babson faculty via a fully asynchronous online program. We are excited to also be offering courses and executive education as part of the new Babson on Demand platform.
Thank you to all that have engaged with our institute, supported our students, collaborated on global partnerships and more To those who have yet to experience what we have to offer, I welcome your participation and support!
Let’s go!
Olin Hall
Babson Park, MA 02457-0310
aigram@babson edu
babson edu
Sincerely,
Ab Igram
Stephen Spinelli Jr., PHD President of Babson College
Franchising has long lacked strong educational underpinnings, and through the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute at Babson College, we lead in filling that gap. As the #1 school for entrepreneurship, we bring unmatched expertise to advancing franchise education.
Equally important, Babson was ranked #1 for Alumni Network Strength by LinkedIn, underscoring our greatest competitive advantage: a global network of 46,000 entrepreneurial leaders. Networking and relationship building are essential in franchising, and Babson’s alumni community spans the world, ready to open doors and create opportunities.
We are a community that turns challenges into opportunities, delivering innovative solutions to complex and urgent problems. This entrepreneurial mindset is needed more than ever in franchising, and Babson is prepared to lead the way in shaping the future of franchising in the U.S. and beyond.
Sincerely,
Stephen Spinelli Jr
Stephen Spinelli Jr., PhD, President of Babson College
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE FELT
Certificate
Program Overview
Empower your franchise network with the Franchise Entrepreneurial Leadership Toolkit
This tailored program strengthens franchisees and corporate teams with a robust curriculum focused on leadership, operational efficiency, financial expertise, and marketing strategies.
FELT provides the tools and confidence to navigate today’s challenges while unlocking growth opportunities. Delivered through flexible modules, it ensures your entire network aligns to deliver consistent excellence.
Why Choose FELT Certificate?
BuildSMARTER Leaders
Empower franchisees with leadership skills.
MAXIMIZE Unit Profitability
Enhance financial and operational efficiency
Strengthen Your BRAND
Ensure consistency across your network
LEARN FROM THE BEST MBA for Entrepreneurship for 30 Consecutive Years – U.S. News & World Report
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE
SALES
& MARKETING DYNAMICS IN FRANCHISE SYSTEMS
In February, Nigel Travis, former CEO of Dunkin’ Brands & Papa John’s, visited the class. He took us behind the scenes of his legendary career, sharing insights from leading some of the world’s most recognizable brands and how strong leadership drives franchise growth. The session inspired and energized the class.
President Stephen Spinelli Jr also led a session He walked us through his franchising journey, breaking down the models that have shaped his success.
From franchise fundamentals to high-level strategy, their wisdom and experiences brought real-world lessons to life. These moments remind us why Babson is the place to learn the business of franchising from the very best.
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - THAILAND
One of our favorite memories this March was joining YEC Rayong for a hands-on workshop with young entrepreneurs in Thailand. Ab Igram led a session on how franchising can unlock growth and opportunity, especially for emerging business owners.
Jim Hoopes, Murata Professor of Ethics in Business also led a session on Virtuous Capitalism
From sharing real-world stories to exploring practical steps for turning ideas into
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE
SOMIA FARID SILBER - FIRESIDE CHAT
Somia Farid Silber, the CEO of Edible Brands, a Babson Alum and a member of the Board of Trustees, spoke to Babson students, faculty, and staff about her transformative journey from president of the company to CEO, and how her Babson education helped guide her along the way She spoke about growing up in the business to now running the company as the leader for the next generation, and of her accomplishments, such as expanding the brand. She also shared her challenges and how she pivots.
The session was moderated by Ab Igram, and Kylie McCarthy 25' had an opportunity to ask questions from a student’s point of view. We look forward to our continued relationship with Somia Farid Silber and Edible Brands.
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE
INTRODUCING
THE BABSON FRANCHISING SOCIETY
We successfully launched Babson’s first-ever student led Franchising Society in Spring 2025 Our mission is to connect students with the dynamic world of franchising through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and networking with industry leaders.
The first event featured Patrick Simonnet (Bank of China USA; former executive at J P Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Credit Suisse) and explored how AI is transforming franchising and driving business growth
@BabsonFranchisingSociety
“The Franchise Club introduced me to a previously unexplored aspect of business. In addition to providing me with the chance to lead and connect students with professionals from various industries, being part of the club increased my interest in fields like healthcare, fitness, and sports It has motivated me to continue developing as a leader and explore the potential of the franchising industry.”
– Juan Grullon, ’27
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE
IFA Convention 2025
Ab Igram and graduate student volunteer Iliana Aguilar represented the institute at the 2025 International Franchise Association (IFA) Annual Convention, and were also joined by graduate student Roberta Maldonado Sistos They immersed themselves in the vibrant world of franchising alongside industry leaders nationwide.
For Iliana, the experience was nothing short of inspiring: "Just wrapped up an incredible experience at the 2025 IFA Annual Convention, and I couldn’t be more grateful
A huge thank you to the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute for making this opportunity possible and for fostering a space where industry leaders can connect, collaborate, and drive innovation. A special shoutout to Ab Igram for going above and beyond—your generosity and support in helping me network and meet inspiring franchising leaders made this experience truly unforgettable."
- Iliana Aguilar
From connecting with thought leaders to learning about the latest industry trends, the convention brought classroom lessons to life. It reinforced the Institute’s commitment to hands-on learning and further strengthened Babson’s presence in the franchising world.
STA NG
PODCAST HITS SEASON 2
The Stars of Franchising podcast has officially launched its second season, featuring inspiring conversations with high-impact leaders across the franchise ecosystem from founders and CEOs to multi-unit operators and innovators shaping the future of franchising.
Season 2 G
Fernando López
Mateo and Tadeo
Acosta-Rubio
Alex Dipietro
Somia Farid Silber
Victor Berny
Lindsey Mcfadden
Rob Branca
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE
TARIQ FARID FRANCHISE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Launched in the 2024–2025 academic year, the Tariq Farid Franchise Leadership Scholarship supports undergraduate students who demonstrate a strong interest in franchising education and leadership. Each year, six scholars are selected based on their commitment to raising awareness with their involvement in the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
In its inaugural year, the institute received over 30 applications and was deeply impressed by the caliber of candidates and their dedication to the program. Six outstanding scholars were chosen for the 2024–2025 cohort.
These scholars played a pivotal role in shaping the institute’s programming. They organized two signature events featuring external speakers, established the Franchise Society, and participated in the Blank School’s end-of-year Scholar Ceremony.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the program attracted over 35 applicants, reflecting growing interest and enthusiasm for franchise leadership among Babson’s undergraduate community
Meet the 24'-25' Scholars
Aleksander Culbert ‘28
Christine Agyare ‘25
Joselyn Armas ‘28
Juan Grullon ‘27
Luciana Gomez ‘27
Sebastian Rosing ‘25
FRANCHISE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS ‘25-’26
Joshua Bell
Originally from Windsor, Connecticut, Joshua Bell is concentrating in Technology Entrepreneurship at Babson College. His passion for innovation stems from an early fascination with turning ideas into tangible solutions.
Luciana Gomez Shamima Ahmed Michael Greystone
Luciana Gomez is pursuing a career in entrepreneurship and finance. Her passion for franchising stems from her family’s small business a Spanish catering company inspired by her father’s birthplace.
Shamima Ahmed, from Queens, New York City, is concentrating in Marketing at Babson College. Her interest in franchising and entrepreneurship stems from personal experience and a strong drive for financial independence.
Michael Greystone is a senior at Babson College concentrating in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship. He thrives at the intersection of strategic deal-making and practical, on-the-ground impact. Recently, Michael has developed a strong interest in franchising high-potential small businesses.
Paul Coughlin
Paul Coughlin, from Manchester, Massachusetts, is concentrating in Strategy and Consulting at Babson College. His interest in entrepreneurship was shaped by his family’s story of perseverance and ambition
Seymura Baghirova
Seymura Baghirova is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at Babson College with a concentration in International Marketing. Originally from Azerbaijan, she is passionate about global business and cultural exchange
Paul Bogere
Paul Bogere, from Kampala, Uganda, is concentrating in Computational and Mathematical Finance at Babson College. His passion for entrepreneurship and franchising is deeply rooted in the everyday ingenuity he witnessed growing up in Uganda
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF FRANCHISING (ISOF) CONFERENCE
In June 2024, the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute hosted the 37th Annual International Society of Franchising (ISoF) Conference at Babson College’s Boston campus, bringing together franchising researchers, educators, and industry leaders from around the world.
The three-day event featured industry engagement sessions, academic research presentations, and networking opportunities, offering a platform to exchange ideas on franchising as a model for entrepreneurship, management, and growth. The conference was co-chaired by Professor Vincent (Vini) Onyemah and Professor Benjamin Lawrence of Georgia State University, with President Stephen Spinelli Jr., MBA’92, PhD opening the event with welcoming remarks.
Discussions spanned key themes across law, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, finance, and operations, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of franchising research. Hosting ISoF was a significant milestone that strengthened the Institute’s role in advancing global franchising research and education, while showcasing Babson’s leadership and the vibrant innovation ecosystem of Boston.
Impact on Kanyanat Paniengtong MS’23
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a venture; it’s about becoming the kind of leader who lifts others as they rise. That’s what I learned at Babson, especially to the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute.”
BACK TO BABSON
BABSON BLACK ALUMNI ALLIANCE (BBAA)
At the 2025 Babson Black Alumni Alliance (BBA), Back to Babson Weekend, the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute reinforced its dedication to inclusive entrepreneurship. The weekend, which celebrated the 5th Anniversary of The Johnson House, featured a robust BBAA Enrichment Series aimed at equipping attendees with the tools to build personal and community wealth.
Ab Igram, served as a moderator for the series, guiding discussions on : Scaling Your Businesses and Securing Funding Through Private Equity and VC.
Connecting distinguished alumni experts with eager students and entrepreneurs, the series provided practical blueprints for business expansion. The Institute is proud to support the BBAA in creating these spaces for mentorship and knowledge transfer, ensuring that the next generation of business leaders is prepared to scale.
SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE
The franchise sector has immense economic impact and is experiencing rapid innovation, requiring entrepreneurial leaders who can influence the future of the industry. Babson aims to develop the next generation of those leaders by providing a robust, hands-on education that will prepare our students to harness the power of franchising to create positive change for themselves, their communities and the world.
DONOR SUPPORT
Many generous donors have already pledged gifts to the Institute, helping fund scholarships and key programs.
We aim to have our Advisory Board, comprised of Babson alumni in the franchise sector as well as other franchising experts from around the world created by June. 2026.