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Certified Entrepreneurial Community
Haywood County was recently named a certified Entrepreneurial Community, making it the first of its kind in both the region and the state. This distinction is particularly important to Haywood Community College. With two members on the leadership team, Laura Leatherwood and Sharron Donnahoe, the college is reinforcing the importance of entrepreneurship to this area.
Gaining certification as an Entrepreneurial Community took teamwork and dedication among the leadership team. Laura and Sharron joined forces with other local leaders CeCe Hipps, Tony Johnson, and Mark Clasby to lead the way for this county designation.
The purpose of ther Certified Entrepreneurship Community is to build and support a rich culture of resources for entrpreneurs in the county. All members have collaborated resources to nurture entrepreneurs and pave the way for them to open their businesses and thrive in our county.
With this designation, the county will participate in a marketing campaign to promote its status in the United States as well as to other nations. With our home county receiving this recognition, HCC's entrepreneurial initiatives can also reach many more people and encourage success among our residents.

Great News for Haywood Community College!!
We began our Entrepreneurship program Fall Semester 2008. We are the first community college in North Carolina to offer this degree program.
We have also established an articulation agreement with Western Carolina University. This articulation agreement allows graduates of this program to transfer 74-76 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship at WCU. Upon transfer to WCU, students from Haywood Community College must comply with all applicable Academic Regulations as listed in The Record, the WCU Undergraduate Catalog.
The Entrepreneurship curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and the skills necessary for employment and growth as self-employed business owners.
Course work includes developing a student’s ability to make informed decisions as future business owners. Courses include entrepreneurial concepts learned in innovation and creativity, business funding, and marketing. Additional course work includes computers and economics.
Through these skills, students will have a sound education base in entrepreneurship for lifelong learning. Graduates are prepared to be self-employed and open their own businesses.
For more information please contact, Meredith Carpenter at mcarpenter@haywood.edu or 828-565-4014.



