The College of Business Administration, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), has developed outreach programs and activities to satisfy both academic and community entrepreneurial needs through the organization of the Centers for Entrepreneurial Development, Advancement, Research, and Support (CEDARS). One such program of CEDARS is The Franchise Center (TFC), which was established on March 4, 1994, under the vision of Carolyn Gough.

The centerpiece of TFC is the Franchise Management Certificate Program, an innovative certificate course that seeks to increase entrepreneurial activity regionally, nationally, and internationally. In accomplishing its mission, the Franchise Management Certificate Program provides individuals with an intense step-by-step course in franchising. The participants receive franchise knowledge by a teaching staff of "street-smart" volunteers comprised of this region's business and professional leaders. The Scholarship Program of TFC gives regional entrepreneurs the opportunity to attend the 2½ Day Seminars. Nine corporations or individuals participate in the Scholarship Program by donating $1,300 each for the two yearly Seminars.

Mr. William B. Cherkasky, former President and C. E. O. of the Educational Foundation of the International Franchise Association, endorsed TFC's programs in 1996. In 1998, TFC qualified to grant 375 credits for the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives.