When the products begin to earn a profit, participants will be able to invest in the development of their own businesses with the assistance of the resources provided through the HCC Small Business Center.

The Small Business Center was relocated in 2016 to 144 Industrial Park Drive after the college assumed ownership of the building from the Smoky Mountain Development Corporation.

Throughout its history, the facility has always been used for workforce development, job creation and job training. Currently, the facility houses tenants whose leases expire at the end of September. With Project AMI, HCC will shift the current focus of long-term tenancy to three- to five-year terms for incubator tenant occupancy.

To determine the most viable and beneficial use of the facility, HCC recently commissioned an external feasibility study. Under the direction of an education and economic development consultant affiliated with Wake Forest University School of Law, local and regional economic development data were analyzed and paired with an examination of existing resources at HCC.

The results showed that manufacturing and access to ‘maker space’ is a crucial need for the development of new and existing business that directly supports the economic development of Haywood County and the surrounding region.

As a result of the study, HCC will dedicate a portion of the building to Project AMI. Evaluation will continue as to what is the best use of the remaining space.

In addition, the college’s Small Business Center will remain in the building as a key partner with businesses that will use AMI as well as new and existing businesses in the county.

HCC produces a graduates in high-skill, high-demand fields; however, many need to leave Haywood County for employment that will sustain their family. Project AMI is designed to help the people of Haywood County start businesses in Haywood County.

The incubator will provide space and equipment comparable to the equipment used to train students at the college. The benefit is that aspiring entrepreneurs can build their businesses without the high startup cost of purchasing facilities and equipment. This concept is commonly referred to as ‘maker space.’

Project AMI will complement the college’s mission to support workforce training in Haywood County while seizing the opportunity to utilize the space within the industrial park as a collaborative effort with the programs housed at the Regional High Technology Center located directly beside the facility.

The initiative also continues the tradition of workforce development, job creation and job training to make a stronger community for the county and the surrounding region.

For more information, call 828-627-4521.