Castlebar Chamber of Commerce will be promoting the enterprise development agenda for the town on Tuesday June 9 through a seminar it has organised with the Western Development Commission.
The seminar, which takes place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at GMIT, is open to Chamber members and the wider business community of Castlebar.
The WDC is a huge resource which businesses can tap into in an effort to fight back against the declining economic situation.
This Chamber initiative, which is being organised in conjunction with the GMIT, is designed to give the business community in Castlebar an insight into the supports available through the WDC. Enterprise development was identified as a key area for attention in the Castlebar Vision 2020, and this seminar is the first in many initiatives being planned by the Chamber to provide support and encouragement to its members .
The WDC is a statutory body with responsibility for fostering and promoting economic and social development in the western region (counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway, and Clare ). Through its work in policy analysis and regional development the WDC aims to ensure that the interests of the western region are always considered at the highest levels of government.
The WDC is responsible for the management and administration of the €34.4 million investment fund which provides risk capital by way of equity and loans, on a commercial basis, to projects and businesses.
The WDC investment fund fulfils a distinctive role in funding businesses, community initiatives, and ‘flagship’ projects in the western region. It invests directly in sustainable projects, many of which may be experiencing a funding gap. The WDC seeks a financial return on its investments, together with a social dividend such as enhancing quality of life and the provision of employment.
Operated by the WDC, the unique €34 million exchequer-supported fund aims to provide seed and venture capital or loans to projects under two sub-funds: Business Investment Fund and Local Investment Fund.
The WDC is also responsible for the LookWest campaign which encourages people to set up home and business in the west.
These are just two of the key areas in which the WDC focuses its attention. There are many others. If you think you could benefit from the WDC investment fund or are interested in finding out how your business can tap into the WDC resources, go to the seminar which will be held in GMIT, Tuesday June 9 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
