Shawn Small

Founder and President of RISE Integrated Sports + Entertainment, Shawn Small has built an agency that champions diversity, inclusion, and innovation in sports partnerships. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded major sponsorship initiatives for organizations, including Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Northern Super League, and the Canadian Elite Basketball League. An industry leader, Shawn regularly shares his insights on corporate partnerships, revenue generation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in sports as an event speaker, panellist, and awards judge.

Beyond driving measurable success for sports organizations, Shawn is dedicated to mentorship, helping to guide the next generation of sports leaders through the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada (SMCC) Activate! Mentorship Program, the Canadian Olympic Committee Emerging Leaders Development Program, and the Black in Sport Business Mentorship Program. He has also made an impact on Durham College students, previously teaching in the very program that shaped his own professional journey and serving as a member of the Sports Administration Program Advisory Committee.

Shawn’s efforts have contributed to a more inclusive and dynamic sports industry. He volunteers on the SMCC DEI Committee and is a Co-Founder of Black Lives Rising Media, an initiative fostering opportunities, driving systemic change, and celebrating Black excellence.