CLEMSON, S.C. — Andrea Galehouse, region operations manager and student engagement coordinator for the Clemson Region SC Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), hosted by the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, has been selected to represent South Carolina in the inaugural America’s SBDC Rising Leadership Program.
Launched this year, the program identifies and develops emerging leaders from across the national SBDC network.
In her role, Galehouse connects Clemson University students with small business clients for hands-on consulting projects and oversees operations that support consultants and entrepreneurs across 11 Upstate counties.
“Being accepted into the Rising Leadership Program is both an honor and a responsibility,” Galehouse said. “The SBDC is built on service and collaboration, and this program reflects those same values. I’m excited to learn alongside peers from across the country and bring those insights back home to strengthen our work here in South Carolina.”
Clemson Region SBDC Director Ben Smith nominated Galehouse for the program.
“Andrea is a natural leader who quietly makes everything work better,” Smith said. “She does not seek recognition, but her contributions are reflected in our center’s ability to transform lives, create targeted societal impact and engage students in meaningful experiential learning. Her commitment to Clemson Excellence and her accountability to a higher standard set the tone for our entire team.”
The Rising Leadership Certification Program convenes a select cohort of SBDC professionals from across the country for a year-long leadership development experience focused on knowledge building, real-world application, peer learning and sustained professional growth. Participants strengthen their leadership capacity, expand national networks and cultivate the skills needed to lead with clarity and purpose.
To earn certification, participants must complete a national kick-off workshop, four quarterly online learning sessions, monthly peer leadership circles and a final leadership journey video and assessment.
Through partnerships with academic programs such as Clemson University’s Master of Science in Marketing, SBDC student engagement initiatives allow students to conduct market research, analyze competitors and develop actionable strategies for local small businesses.
“For me, working with students is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Galehouse said. “We take what they’re learning in the classroom and apply it directly to real businesses. It’s incredibly satisfying to see their confidence and understanding grow through that process.”
As part of the statewide South Carolina SBDC consortium, the Clemson Region SBDC supports entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Upstate through consulting, training and complimentary business development resources delivered by an experienced team of specialists.
