Driving economic development.
What we make goes beyond our classrooms, and past our hills, to transform our state. As a catalyst for regional vitality and a critical partner in economic and workforce development, WCU seeks to produce graduates, research and innovations that serve our modern community, as well as the living legacy of those native to the region.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
Partnering to foster business recruitment, expansion and retention across our region.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
Building campus programs that meet the emerging needs of the region’s dynamic workforce.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Advocating for community enhancements that create thriving, sustainable places to live, work and play.
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ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Cultivating regional collaborations to drive economic well-being.
Business Development Resources
From consulting on business plans to creating prototypes, we have a range of resources that are designed to elevate businesses, communities and individuals throughout our region.
Corporation for entrepreneurship and innovation
This consulting initiative connects expert faculty and senior capstone students with regional businesses to provide services that include strategic planning, business and business plan development, new product development, technical services, and more.
rapid center
This research and development center gives businesses and entrepreneurs access to modern engineering labs, cutting-edge technology and advanced faculty expertise, so they can develop new products and processes that benefit their companies and our communities.
Small Business and Technology Development Center
The SBTDC offers entrepreneurs of small and midsize businesses access to resources like management counseling and educational services, so they can grow, thrive and make positive contributions to the state economy.
Workforce Development Resources
Our region is changing rapidly, and its businesses need a workforce that’s equipped with the skills to keep up. Western Carolina University is proud to offer resources that turn workers into leaders who are ready to take industries to the next level.
Community Resources
Live Western isn’t just about our college — it’s about our entire community. That’s why we take pride in serving as a vital resource tto the town of Sylva, the surrounding area and beyond.
This consulting initiative connects expert faculty and senior capstone students with regional businesses to provide services that include strategic planning, business and business plan development, new product development, technical services, and more.
This interdisciplinary initiative provides economics research and education to the students, faculty and community of Western Carolina.
Economic Partnerships
Sustaining and improving this region is a collective effort. And we’re committed to partnering with others who share our goal of a stronger western North Carolina.
Whether it’s through workshops, seminars or tailored consultations, this program offers training and education to public officials and personnel, so we can all better serve our region.
Whether it’s through workshops, seminars or tailored consultations, this program offers training and education to public officials and personnel, so we can all better serve our region.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
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