College of Business Launches Yum! Brands Entrepreneurship Fellowship Fund
March 23, 2026
A sign at the Yum! headquarters, displaying the company's logo
The University of Louisville College of Business and Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship would like to extend gratitude to Yum! Brands for its generous entrepreneurship fellowship fund. The newly established fund aims to strengthen support for doctoral students interested in franchising by ensuring they have the resources needed to focus on innovative research and academic achievement. Through this initiative, students may receive support through scholarship, stipend, fringe and conference travel–empowering them to engage with leading research communities and contribute meaningfully to their fields.
"Franchising is one of the largest entrepreneurial systems in the world, yet it has historically received limited attention in academic research,” said Kathy Gosser, associate professor of franchise management. “This fellowship allows us to develop scholars who will advance research and strengthen the future of franchise systems."
"The fellowship will provide a unique opportunity for PhD students to collaborate with Yum! Center faculty on cutting-edge franchising research and curricular developments, positioning them to emerge from our program as leading figures in franchise scholarship and education, an increasingly important domain of entrepreneurship,” said Daniel Bennett, Cobb family chair in entrepreneurship.
Along with providing our students the opportunity to delve into a new form of research, this positions the college as one of the first business PhD programs to include franchising as a path of study.
The Yum! Brands Entrepreneurship Fellowship Fund will begin supporting students in fall 2026, with funding allocated to students nominated by faculty and staff. More information about the program, requirements and application details can be found at: https://business.louisville.edu/research-and-centers/forcht-center-entrepreneurship
About the UofL College of Business:
Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.
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Madison Kurfirst is a student contributor for the Office of Marketing and Communications at the University of Louisville College of Business, where she writes feature stories that highlight student life and the undergraduate experience. She joined the team in August of 2025 after completing her first year with the college's CAPS social media team, where she continues to create engaging content for the university community.
In her free time, Madison enjoys spending time with her friends, exploring Louisville and cheering on the Cardinals at university sporting events. Passionate about storytelling and connection, after graduation, she plans to pursue a career in marketing or journalism.
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