The Western Development Commission(WDC) has been awarded ‘Best Regional Investment Promotion Team’ in Europe by Capital Finance Ireland (CFI).

The award recognises the organisations work in establishing the Western Investment Fund (WIF) and its contribution to the region's socio-economic growth and development.  

The Western Investment Fund provides equity finance and loans to business, communities and the creative industry based in, or moving to, the Western Region of Ireland. 

Speaking about why the WDC won this award, the Jury said; 

“WDC operates according to the belief that communities are stronger working together. It relies on evidence-based research to co-create positive socio-economic impacts throughout the region. It targets organisations with long-term vision and the capacity to trade on a national and global level. 

The Western Investment Fund is open to companies across a range of sectors including green technology, creative industries, food and natural resources, ICT, manufacturing, Medtech, and life sciences. 

 Gillian Buckley, Investment Manager, WDC says the “The CFI award is recognition of the impact that the WDC’s Investment Fund has had on the Western Region over a 20-year period. 

The WDC has funded over 300 SMEs, strategic initiatives, community projects and social enterprises in this timeframe which enhance the quality of life of our region’s citizens and supported over 6,000 jobs across our portfolio companies. The Western Investment Fund is a unique entity in Europe with all financial returns reinvested back into enterprises in the region.”