The Western Investment Fund provides financing for businesses in the western region of Ireland through equity investments, loans, and microloans. It has invested €44 million in 122 businesses across various sectors, supporting over 5,000 jobs. Equity investments range from €250,000 to €1 million for companies capable of rapid growth. Loan amounts range from €10,000 to €100,000 for community projects and €5,000 to €25,000 for creative industries. To apply, entrepreneurs submit a business plan with details on the market opportunity, management team, product or service, and financial projections.

1. WDC Investment Fund
WDC Raising Finance for your Business
Donegal Enterprise Week
8th March 2016

2. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
WDC INVESTMENT FUND
Unique funding mechanism for the West of
Ireland
Revolving €32m equity and loan fund
Covering a broad range of sectors from
start up through to expansion
Western Region covering Clare, Donegal,
Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and
Sligo

3. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
Background to date
 Invested €44m in enterprises in the
Western Region
 122 businesses support (67 SMEs, 10 micro
enterprises, 45 community enterprises)
 Supported more than 5,000 jobs
 Over €180 million additional investment
leveraged by WIF supported enterprises

4. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie

5. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
Equity/Venture Capital
NO GRANT AID – we want it back!
Average initial investment €250k - €300k
We can invest up to €1m in a project
Up to 50% of funding package
SME Investment Fund

6. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
Investment in return for a minority stake
Suitable for companies which are capable of
significant growth over a short period of time
Venture Capital needs an exit – max 10 years
but ideally shorter
VC investors typically seek 10X
Equity: SEED/VENTURE CAPITAL
INVESTMENT

7. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
Commercial/Technical Due
Diligence/Approval
Deal Structure & Negotiation
Legal Due Diligence
Monitoring &
Commercialization
Exit
INVESTMENT PROCESS

8. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
Community Loan Fund
• Focus on job creation (enterprise space, health and
wellbeing initiatives which improve the physical
environment by providing social and recreational
amenities or social care services)
• Loan amounts ranging from €10,000 to €100,000
• Fixed monthly payments at fixed 5% APR
• No personal guarantees required

9. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
WDC MICRO-LOAN FUND:
Creative Industries
• €5,000 to €25,000Loan Size:
• Currently 6.84%Interest Rate:
• Between 1 and 5 yearsDuration:
• On a monthly amortised basis by
direct debitRepayment:
• NoneSecurity/PGs:

10. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
Potential projects must have;
Strong management team with proven track
record
Product/service with competitive advantage,
IP Protection
Significant growth potential
Clear route to market

11. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
 Market/Marketing
 Market Profile –
large/growing
 Competitor Analysis
 Customers
 Sales strategy
 Finance
 Investment
Required/Source
 Most recent Audited
Accounts
 Up to date Management
A/Cs
 Financial Projections 3/5
Years
Business plan contents
 Project Description
 Be brief and clear
 Minimise jargon
 Management Team
 Past experience
 Technical, marketing and
financial skills
 Business Contacts
 Commitment
 Product/Service
 Must Have or Me too?
 R&D plans
 IP Protection

12. WESTERN INVESTMENT FUND :: Investing in Western Enterprise www.wdc.ie
Submit
Application Form
with a
Business Plan
and
Financial Projections
www.wdc.ie/wdc-investment-fund investment@wdc.ie
WIF Application Procedure