Higher Education
Macon County AssetsBelow you'll find a listing and explanation of the various higher education resources available to residents of Macon County.

The Institute for the Economy and the Future

Western North Carolina University’s Institute for the Economy and the Future (IEF) is a regional think tank located in Cullowhee, NC.

-Economic development research
-Economic impact analysis
-Economic policy analysis
-Issue polling
http://ief.wcu.edu/

Center for Digital Entrepreneurship

Western Carolina University’s Center for Digital Entrepreneurship engages students, faculty and staff with regional businesses and organizations to collaborate on projects within the emerging and rapid growth segments of the digital economy.

-Generates advanced media and content
-Teaches community stakeholders how to develop media and content
-Employs students from various educational fields of study
http://ief.wcu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=109&Itemid=311

Center for Rapid Product Realization

Western North Carolina University’s Center for Rapid Product Realization assists organizations with product development.

-Match RP method to development stage and requirements
-Evaluate form, fit, and function with rapid prototypes
-Field-test functional prototypes, prevent costly tooling mistakes
-Verify specifications using contact or non-contact metrology
-Optimize manufacturing methods with input from our experts
-Secure patent applications and technology transfer agreements
http://www.wcu.edu/3632.asp

Western Carolina University Office of Technology Transfer

Western Carolina University’s Office of Technology Transfer helps university-affiliated inventors protect their intellectual property.

-Assists with acquiring patents, copyrights and commercial licenses
http://techtransfer.wcu.edu

Western Carolina University College of Business

Western Carolina University’s undergraduate and graduate College of Business provide students with curricula focused on technological expertise, discipline based knowledge and career enhancing skills.

http://www.wcu.edu.cob

 

CEC: Macon County

CEC

Macon County is part of the AdvantageWest entrepreneurial program known as "Certified Entrepreneurial Communities" or "CEC". This program has as its goalk the promoting public and governmental awareness of the need for entrepreneurship through certifying governmental bodies and local units of governments regarding their approach, strategy and state of readiness with respect to entrepreneurship.

To find out more about this exciting initiative:

* Download the EDC report on the CEC initiative
* Download a CEC overview
Macon County EDC

SWCC: Industry Training

SWCC

The Business and Industry Training classes offered by Southwestern Community College are a tremendous resource to any company looking to re-train or build new skills within its workforce. These courses are customized to suit client needs and are often available at little cost to the client. Such courses can provide the critical missing piece as your firm strives to stay competitive in the global marketplace.

To find out more, go to SWCC's Center for Business and Industry or contact Karmen Reis, the Business and Industry Training Coordinator (828.488.6413).