Haywood County’s diverse economy includes manufacturing, retail trade, agriculture, education, tourism, and a significant entrepreneurial base. Evergreen, a paper products manufacturer, is the largest employer, followed closely by the public school system and Haywood Regional Medical Center which is part of MedWest Health System.

Long before Certified Entrepreneurial Communities existed, Haywood County EDC included targeting entrepreneurs in their mission statement. The warm welcome they receive is even stronger today with the certification, which was a natural fit for the county.

There are many resources for entrepreneurs. The Chamber of Commerce offers a monthly Issues and Eggs meeting, a great place to learn from key leaders and to network with other businesses. The Chamber also sponsors an annual business plan contest with a capital investment for the winning recipient.

Available from the Haywood EDC website, the section Tools for business success is a great resource for anyone interested in doing business in Haywood.

The Smoky Mountain Development Corporation houses the county's incubator, a 17,000 square foot facility that provides space and services for startups.

Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center offers a myriad of resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Resources include an extensive business library and comprehensive website, seminars, and counseling.

To help businesses learn and use sustainable practices, Haywood started a green initiative. A downtown pilot group put the practices to use, saving money while caring for the environment. Now this group is mentoring other businesses.