Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the engines of job creation in the United States and are an essential component of economic growth. Entrepreneurs create new businesses, and new businesses in turn create jobs, intensify competition and often increase productivity through technological innovation. Communities that foster entrepreneurship and small business development have stronger economies and are more resilient. The EDC works to provide the optimal climate for entrepreneurial ventures to succeed.
The Haywood Chamber of Commerce, EDC and other community organizations are the center of small business and entrepreneurial resources. In 2008 a passionate and dedicated group of leaders dedicated time and resources to making entrepreneurship a priority and was awarded the first Certified Entrepreneur Community in America.
Haywood County, nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, is a community where leaders recognize the importance of small businesses and entrepreneurship. It is a community were an entrepreneur with a dream can be confident the necessary resources are available to be successful and realize their dream. A variety of resources are available to assist in navigating the path to a successful and sustainable business model.
According to the US Small Business Administration’s Western North Carolina office, 90% of future jobs in Western North Carolina will come from new or existing businesses.