CLEMSON ANNOUNCES SMALL BUSINESS PARTNER PROGRAM

CLEMSON, SC – February 4, 2026 – Clemson Ventures announced the creation of an innovative Small Business Program designed to develop marketing opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses throughout the Upstate and connect them with the most engaged fans in college athletics. The program will also help create year-round NIL opportunities for student-athletes.

While a dedicated small-business partnership program is common in professional sports, this partnership program is among the first of its kind in the college space. In addition to access to premium marketing inventory, the program sets the table for local partners to utilize the Clemson brand to promote their businesses.

At the core of the program is a significant NIL investment in Clemson student-athletes, creating a team of small-business ambassadors to amplify participating businesses through custom content and social media engagement.

This initiative will be delivered in collaboration with Eleven Sports Media, leveraging Clemson Athletic Ventures’ unique private sector business structure and full-service NIL marketing agency to lower barriers for local businesses to participate in college sports sponsorship. Participating Small Business Partners receive stadium/arena visibility across a range of sports –including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and gymnastics – as well as podcast features, exclusive partner networking events, ticket access, and more.

The program will also seek ways to grow community impact through several initiatives, including spotlighting and supporting a veteran-owned business.

“While a core part of Clemson’s fanbase spans DMAs throughout the Southeast and even nationally, college athletics will always retain a local impact, and we’re excited for how this local program will complement our overall partner portfolio,” said Michael Drake, Clemson Athletic Ventures CEO. “As the college landscape continues to evolve, our team has worked tirelessly to uncover meaningful, sustainable NIL opportunities that highlight the unique value Clemson student athletes can provide to businesses.”

For more information about the Clemson Small Business Partnership and find out how you could be part of it, click here.