Macon County is truly in the “center of it all”, just a short distance from major markets such as Atlanta GA, Greenville SC, Knoxville TN, Chattanooga TN, Columbia SC and Asheville, NC. With four-lane connectivity to I-40, I-26 and I-85, we are easily accessible to all points in the Southeast, Midwest and along the Eastern Seaboard. Inland Port rail access is only 2 hours away.

North Carolina consistently ranks among the best business climates in the U.S., having ranked as one of Forbes’ top 5 Best States for Business for 10 consecutive years. This success is fueled by a competitive tax climate, low business costs, competitive utility costs and a favorable legal and regulatory environment. In Macon County, you’ll find all of the above AND an outstanding quality of life.

Macon County has an area workforce draw of over 125,000. On Demand Customized Workforce Training (including advanced manufacturing) is provided by Southwestern Community College and NCWorks Career Centers provide employers a single place to address employment and training needs. In addition, Macon County Public Schools offer a variety of STEM initiatives to prepare the workforce of the future.

Macon County is served by Balsam West FiberNet, provider of the highest grade fiber-optic broadband service available. BalsamWest has constructed over 400 miles of underground fiber throughout Western North Carolina, in a ringed topology, designed to be available 99.999 percent of the time on the backbone fiber, providing world-class connectivity for business and industry.

Time is money and many businesses depend on private aviation to improve their bottom line. The Macon County Airport (click here) provides your business with a 5001 foot runway, state of the art terminal building with conference and meeting rooms, helipad, pilots lounge, aviation fuels and rental car availability. Future plans include an additional 1000’ runway extension.

Macon County recognizes and values the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s economy. Together with our strategic partners, we provide access to business plan development, training, networking opportunities and alternative financing options for new businesses. In addition, the Macon County Business Development Center features over 14,000 square feet of business and light manufacturing space dedicated to growing and nurturing business startups. Western Carolina University’s Rapid Center partners with businesses, industry and entrepreneurs to develop new products and processes.

Macon County is served by Toccoa Natural Gas, providing business/industry with a clean, reliable and efficient energy source to accommodate various needs.

Macon County is home to an excellent public school system with 11 different schools providing education for approximately 4400 K-12 students. Higher education institutions include Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University. Numerous other educational options are available within a short drive.

Macon County is served by two healthcare facilities as part of the Mission Health Systems network – Angel Medical Center in Franklin and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital – Physicians number 20.5 per 10,000 population and registered nurses number 68.2 per 10,000. Several skilled nursing and assisted living options are available.