The Center for Franchise Development in the Craig School of Business and Technology has partnered with Auntie Anne鈥檚, the pretzel franchise, that allowed 大象传媒 Western students and alumni to compete in a class this spring to own and operate their own business.
The Applied Business Ownership class, offered each spring to graduating seniors and business alumni, 
helps students develop the skills and strategies required to own a business by studying a specific franchise opportunity and developing a business plan, said Pam Klaus, director of the Center for Franchise Development.
This year, for the first time, the franchise opportunity will be provided by Auntie Anne鈥檚.
鈥淭hey鈥檝e been great partners to work with, and we鈥檙e very excited to welcome them aboard,鈥� Klaus said.
At the end of the semester, students present their business plans to a panel of judges, who determine if one of them will be awarded the opportunity. The program provides initial capital for the stores, which the alumni pay back over five years. The entrepreneurs also receive ongoing support from faculty members, the Craig School of Business and Technology Advisory Council, Steve Craig and previous winners.
鈥淎untie Anne鈥檚 is celebrating our 30th birthday this year, and as we reflect on our past of entrepreneurship, we鈥檙e very excited to partner with 大象传媒 Western to continue that history and bring new franchisees into our system to continue to make Auntie Anne鈥檚 the best pretzel brand in the land,鈥� said Heather Neary, president of Auntie Anne鈥檚.
鈥淚鈥檓 just delighted that we鈥檝e forged this partnership,鈥� said Steve Craig, benefactor for whom the School of Business and Technology is named. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a next critical step for our program.鈥�
Although this is the first time an Auntie Anne鈥檚 franchise will be the focus of the class, it won鈥檛 be the first store in the program. Allie Canaday 鈥�11, opened an Auntie Anne鈥檚 in Lehi, Utah with husband Matt 鈥�14, and Stephanie Tripp 鈥�12 operates the franchise in East Hills Mall in St. Joseph.
The Center for Franchise Development is celebrating the program鈥檚 10th anniversary this year. Since 2009, 30 graduates have opened or purchased more than 40 stores across the country.