Strategically Located. Workforce-Ready. Future Focused.
Doing business in Haywood County means having access to the assets your company needs to grow, from prime industrial real estate to a skilled, ready-to-work labor force. As the local driver of economic development in Haywood County, BHEDC is here to help you navigate every stage of your expansion or relocation.
A Competitive Edge in West Tennessee
Map View
These infrastructure advantages drive competitiveness and offer companies seeking growth unparalleled expertise and efficiency.
- access to 5 class 1 railroads
- 2 Mississippi river ports
- The Western Hemisphere's Busiest Cargo Airport
- unparalled market access
ACCESS TO 5 CLASS 1 RAILROADS
CSX Rail is available directly throughout Haywood County, with four more rail lines in close proximity.
- Canadian National Rail
- Norfolk Southern Rail
- Union Pacific Rail
- BSNF Rail
2 MISSISSIPPI RIVER PORTS
The International Port of Memphis is the second largest inland port on the shallow draft portion of the Mississippi River, and the 5th largest inland port in the United States.
The Port of Cates Landing is owned by the Northwest Tennessee Regional Port Authority and is located at the 900-mile marker on the Mississippi River, about half way between Chicago, Illinois and New Orleans, Louisiana, with access to the Canadian National Rail Road.
THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE’S BUSIEST CARGO AIRPORT
Memphis International Airport is home to the main FedEx Express global “SuperHub”, which processes a significant portion of the freight carrier’s packages.
Additionally, Jackson’s McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport is just 21 miles away.
UNPARALLELED MARKET ACCESS
Closer to more major markets overnight by truck than any other U.S. location.
The region offers direct access to Interstate 40 and near proximity to Interstate 55.
U.S. highways 70, 79 and 51 also provide excellent highway access.
Contact Our Team Today to Learn More About Doing Business in Haywood County.
Business Incentives That Work for You
Tennessee consistently ranks among the best states for business thanks to robust incentive programs.
In Haywood County, your company may qualify for:
Property and job tax credits
Workforce Development & Talent Pipeline
We take workforce seriously. In partnership with local schools, colleges, and training centers, Haywood County cultivates talent for tomorrow’s industries.
Whether you need welders, engineers, or logistics managers, you’ll find the talent here or we’ll help you develop it.
A True Partner in Progress
From your first site visit to your grand opening and beyond, BHEDC is committed to your success.
Contact Us Today and Let’s Put These Incentives to Work for Your Business.
Financial Resources & Incentives
Haywood County, the region and the state understand the need for a stable, business-friendly and transparent tax structure. Tennessee is one of the few states without a personal or state income tax, which makes the cost of doing business very competitive. Our cost-effective tax structure makes it a choice location for any company looking to establish a presence or expand their current footprint.
Below is a snapshot of local and state incentives available for companies meeting the necessary criteria.
Local Level Assistance and Incentives
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
TIF uses the increased property or sales taxes (increment) generated by new development to finance costs related to the development such as public infrastructure, land acquisition, demolition, and planning.
Additional Resources
Based on a projects unique needs, Brownsville-Haywood County can provide additional resources or assistance on as needed basis.
Local Payment in Lieu of Tax (PILOT) Incentive
PILOTs may be offered in Haywood County to both new and expanding companies that are expanding or relocating to the region. PILOTs are determined on a case-by-case basis based on a combination of factors, including job creation, capital investment and average annual wage.
State Level Incentives
Tennessee offers a wide range of business incentives designed to support both existing companies and those considering new operations. In Haywood County, these state-level programs can help reduce startup costs, accelerate expansion, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Incumbent Worker Training Program
A competitive grant available to Tennessee businesses seeking to strengthen their workforce. This program provides funding for skill upgrades, process improvements, and training designed to retain full-time employees. By investing in training for current staff, companies reduce turnover, improve productivity, and position themselves for sustainable growth. For employers in Haywood County, this program is an important resource for staying competitive in advanced manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and other industries where updated training is essential.
On-the-Job Training Grants
Through the Workforce Investment Network (WIN), Tennessee offers grants to offset the cost of training new employees directly on the job. This program contracts with businesses in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to provide eligible participants with valuable, hands-on experience. Employers benefit by lowering the expense of onboarding while ensuring new hires are trained to company standards. In Haywood County, on-the-job training grants are a practical way to build a pipeline of skilled talent for industries such as automotive, clean energy manufacturing, and food processing.
FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program
The FastTrack Job Training Assistance Program (FJTAP) provides direct financial support to companies creating net new full-time jobs in Tennessee. This discretionary program is highly customizable, allowing companies to design training plans that align with their specific workforce needs. Funds may cover everything from classroom instruction to on-the-job learning for advanced technical roles. For companies locating or expanding in Haywood County, FastTrack is one of the most impactful business incentives in Tennessee, ensuring that new employees are fully prepared to succeed in advanced industries.
FastTrack Infrastructure Development Program
The FastTrack Infrastructure Development Program (FIDP) offers discretionary grants to local governments to address essential infrastructure needs for new and expanding companies. Eligible projects may include water, sewer, natural gas, rail, electric power, telecommunications, or roadway improvements – all critical to ensuring sites are business-ready. In Haywood County, this program has been used to accelerate industrial park development and prepare shovel-ready sites that meet the requirements of national and international companies.
FastTrack Economic Development Fund
The FastTrack Economic Development Fund (FED) provides flexible support for expenses not covered under job training or infrastructure grants. This may include relocation costs, temporary office space, capital improvements, or retrofitting existing facilities. For companies moving to or expanding in Haywood County, FED funds are often the key to closing project gaps and ensuring that operations can begin quickly and efficiently. This fund demonstrates Tennessee’s commitment to tailoring economic development incentives to the unique needs of each project.
Job Tax Credit
The Job Tax Credit (JTC) is one of Tennessee’s most recognized business incentives. Companies creating at least 25 net new full-time jobs and investing $500,000 within 36 months can receive a credit of $4,500 per position. This credit applies against up to 50% of franchise and excise (F&E) tax liability in any given year, with the option to carry forward unused credits for up to 15 years. For qualifying companies in Haywood County, the JTC helps lower tax obligations and free up resources for further expansion.
Enhanced Job Tax Credit
In addition to the standard JTC, Tennessee offers the Enhanced Job Tax Credit for companies locating or expanding in designated Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 Enhancement Counties. This credit can offset up to 100% of a company’s F&E tax liability, making it especially valuable for businesses investing in rural areas. For Haywood County, this program provides an additional layer of incentive for companies seeking to maximize the benefits of locating in West Tennessee.
Industrial Machinery Tax Credit
The Industrial Machinery Tax Credit (IMTC) ranges from 1% to 10% and applies to the purchase, installation, or repair of qualified industrial machinery. This credit reduces the cost of modernizing facilities or expanding production capacity. For manufacturers in Haywood County, including automotive suppliers, food processors, and clean energy firms, this incentive supports investment in advanced equipment that drives productivity and long-term growth.
State Industrial Access Road Program
Through the State Industrial Access Road Program, Tennessee provides funding for roadway improvements that serve new or expanding industrial operations. This program ensures that businesses have reliable transportation infrastructure to move raw materials and finished goods. For companies in Haywood County, industrial access roads are often a decisive factor in site selection and logistics planning.
Foreign Trade Zone Designations
Haywood County is part of Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #283, giving companies the ability to defer, reduce, or eliminate customs duties on imported materials. Businesses can bring in equipment, raw materials, and inventory for manufacturing or distribution without paying federal duties until the product enters U.S. markets. For global manufacturers and distributors, FTZ designation is a powerful cost-saving tool that enhances Haywood County’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Utility Incentives
In partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and local utilities, companies in Haywood County can access a powerful set of programs designed to lower operating costs, reward investment, and strengthen long-term competitiveness. These incentives make doing business in Tennessee even more attractive by combining affordable energy with direct financial support for companies that create jobs and invest in growth.
Investment Credit
The Investment Credit program is a cost-saving incentive offered jointly by TVA and local utility partners, including the Brownsville Energy Authority and Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation. Companies that make a five- or ten-year commitment to both economic development and energy system performance can qualify for monthly credits applied directly to their power bills.
This incentive rewards companies that invest in efficiency, reliability, and long-term operations. For businesses locating in Haywood County, the Investment Credit helps lower ongoing utility costs while supporting infrastructure upgrades that improve performance. By reducing one of the largest overhead expenses – energy – this program enhances both operational efficiency and return on investment.
Performance Grant
The TVA Performance Grant program provides direct funding for competitive projects that bring meaningful economic impact to the region. New and expanding companies can receive flexible financial awards based on their five-year projected impact, including capital investment, job creation, and payroll growth.
These funds are designed to close gaps and accelerate projects, with award amounts determined at TVA’s discretion. Because grants can be used for a wide range of approved purposes, companies have flexibility to apply them where they are needed most. For projects in Haywood County, the Performance Grant reflects TVA’s strong commitment to economic development in Tennessee and its role in building sustainable, business-friendly communities.
Workforce +
The Workforce+ incentive provides additional support for companies that prioritize talent pipeline development as part of their investment strategy. This program is designed to strengthen both individual businesses and the broader regional workforce by encouraging employers to fund and participate in workforce training programs.
Qualifying companies may receive extra incentives when they commit to developing apprenticeship programs, technical training, or partnerships with schools and workforce agencies. In Haywood County, Workforce+ is especially valuable for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and logistics companies, which depend on a steady supply of skilled labor to grow and compete. By aligning employer needs with education and training resources, this program ensures long-term workforce readiness and stronger economic outcomes.
Together, these business incentives in Tennessee make Haywood County one of the most competitive and cost-effective locations for growth. BHEDC helps companies identify eligibility, navigate applications, and maximize every opportunity to reduce costs and accelerate success.