The United Franchise Group, a $500 million West Palm Beach franchise organization, has partnered with Palm Beach Atlantic University to help student entrepreneurs start their own business ventures by contributing mentoring and funding toward their visionary concepts. Called J.J.’s Entrepreneurs, the program includes a five-year minimum $75,000 commitment by UFG. It was developed to encourage and teach students about the benefits of entrepreneurship and owning their own business.
PBA Interim President William M.B. Fleming Jr. (from left) with entrepreneurs J.J. Prendamano and Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group.
PBA Interim President William M.B. Fleming Jr. (from left) with entrepreneurs J.J. Prendamano and Ray Titus, CEO of United Franchise Group.
As part of the program, students will work to create an innovative business plan. A screening committee, made up of local business owners and PBA staff members, will select the top two business plans. One student will be awarded $10,000 and one will receive $5,000 to launch their business concepts.
J.J.’s Entrepreneurs provides an integrative learning experience for participants, drawing from both the Palm Beach Atlantic curriculum and United Franchise Group’s business experience. Students participating in the competition will be mentored by business leaders Ray Titus, CEO of UFG, and J.J. Prendamano, who together alone have more than 75 years of experience in business and many different franchise industries. The J.J.’s Entrepreneur program was created to honor Prendamano and recognize his commitment to mentoring and helping new owners become successful and thrive within the UFG franchises.
“We are thrilled to partner with Palm Beach Atlantic University to help students beyond the classroom and assist them in pursuing their dreams of starting their own business,” Titus said. “This partnership speaks of UFG’s commitment of giving back to the community and at the same time honors its namesake J.J. Prendamano for all he’s done in our organization.”
“Palm Beach Atlantic University is extremely grateful to Ray Titus and The United Franchise Group for their personal and financial investment in our university and business students,” said PBA Interim President William M.B. Fleming, Jr. “This ground-breaking partnership provides our students with a unique opportunity to further refine their business talents and innovative business concepts while learning what it takes to run a successful business from leading entrepreneurs.”
UFG is made up of five industry-leading franchise brands including SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest full-service sign business; EmbroidMe, the world’s largest embroidery franchise; Billboard Connection, a home-based advertising agency; Plan Ahead Events, a home-based event planning business; and TransWorld Business Advisors, a business brokerage and franchise development services firm. In 2010, UFG developed nearly 200 new franchises and projects its growth trend to continue in 2011 with a goal of adding up to 300 new franchise locations around the world.
