Rising Leadership Certification
Grounded in The SBDC Way
We rise by serving, we lead with vision, we grow together.
What is America’s SBDC
Rising Leadership Certification?
AMERICA’S SBDC RISING LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION is a highly selective, nationally endorsed program that elevates SBDC professionals committed to leadership excellence.
Participants strengthen their leadership capacity, expand their network presence, and lead with greater clarity and purpose across the SBDC.
Graduates earn a certification endorsed by America’s SBDC and a digital badge that represents their lasting contribution to the future of the SBDC network.
This isn’t just a certification—it’s a transformation.
The Power of This Program
For participants, this certification is a way to deepen your leadership presence, strengthen your connection to the network, and approach new opportunities with intention.
For our SBDC network, it’s an investment in the future—a way to ensure our continued success through capable, committed leaders ready to guide what’s next.
SBDC leadership transforms vision into reality—one decision, one business, and one community at a time.
At America’s SBDC, we know that the strength of our network depends on the strength of our leaders. The Rising Leadership Certification program reflects our commitment to supporting mission-driven leaders who are shaping the future of our work. By investing in our leaders, we ensure that small businesses in every corner of the country continue to receive the expert guidance they need to thrive.
Charles “Tee” Rowe
President & CEO, America's SBDC
MEET THE 2025 RISING LEADERSHIP COHORT
The Program at a Glance
Program Snapshot
- Duration: 12 months
- Total Time Commitment: 33 hours
-
Monthly Average: 2.5 hours
(after the 8-hour in-person workshop) -
Program Start: August 2025
Kicks off with Leadership Foundations (required pre-work, August) and the in-person workshop in September (Orlando). - Certification Awarded: August 2026
- Cost: Included with Fall 2025 Training Event registration
- Eligibility: Any SBDC employee below the State Director level.
- Selection Process: Participants are submitted by their State Director
Program Components
- Leadership Foundations (August – required pre-work)
- Full-Day In-Person Workshop (September – mandatory)
- Online Interactive Workshops (Quarterly – 4 total)
- Post-Workshop Quizzes (following each online workshop)
- Leadership Circle Meetings (Monthly – small peer groups)
- Leadership Circle Reports (Monthly – due after each meeting)
- Peer Feedback & Self-Evaluation
- Leadership Journey Video Project
- Final Certification Assessment (July 2026)
- Opportunity to Become a Mentor
What You’ll Learn
Participants strengthen their leadership capacity, expand their network presence, and lead with greater clarity and purpose across the SBDC.
Topics include:
- High-stakes decision making
- Leading through organizational change
- Emotional intelligence in leadership
- Strategic thinking and collaboration
- Communicating with clarity and influence
- Real-world leadership case studies and applications
What You’ll Gain
- A nationally endorsed certification within America’s SBDC network
- Hands-on training from SBDC leaders and guest experts
- Opportunities to mentor and be mentored
- A lifelong peer network built through your Leadership Circle
- Greater visibility and professional growth within the SBDC network
- A digital badge to display on LinkedIn and your resume
Leadership Circles
- Participants will be placed into Leadership Circles of 5–6 peers.
- These groups stay together throughout the program, meeting monthly for rotating facilitation, strategic discussion, and shared reflection.
- Your Leadership Circle will become a lifelong professional support group.
- Expect deep connections—peers who will champion your leadership journey.
Contact
Opportunities are available to partner with or sponsor the Rising Leadership Certification program – reach out if you’re interested.
If you participate in the Rising Leadership Certification program, you can access your program materials on the Member’s site under Leadership Initiatives.
Kelly Flint
Program Manager, Leadership Initiatives
America’s SBDC
703.928.1355
kelly@americassbdc.org