The Western Development Commission's (WDC) Western Investment Fund (WIF) has now invested €100 million across more than 350 SMEs, social enterprises, community projects and strategic regional initiatives throughout the Western Region.
The WIF is an evergreen investment fund, where all returns are reinvested into new start-ups and scale-ups.
Since its establishment, the fund has more than tripled in size.
"The WIF has been providing equity finance and loans to businesses, communities, social enterprises, strategic initiatives, and the creative industry to enable them to establish themselves and grow in the Western Region for over 25 years," said Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
"It has become a vital engine for sustainable economic development in the West and is an example of what regionally focused investment can achieve.
"It has helped hundreds of businesses and community projects from Donegal to Clare, and this €100 million milestone demonstrates the real and lasting impact of the Fund," he added.
Allan Mulrooney, CEO of Western Development Commission said they will invest an additional €35 million across 100 projects over the next five years.
"Our focus is on building a stronger, more resilient regional economy that continues to deliver long-term growth and opportunity for the West and Northwest," he added.
