Supports

Helping Your Business is Our Business

Starting a business is always a challenge, but in the West it's one you don't have to face alone. You'll find great supports here for all sizes of businesses and sectors.

• Ireland's low Corporation Tax rate (12.5%) is very attractive
• New companies will be exempt from tax for three years following the 2008 budget.
• There are extra incentives for businesses in the West.

There is a wide array of supports and funding available depending on your location;

• Firms in the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) region can get extra levels of state assistance.
• Preferential rates apply to assistance received from Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland or the City and County Enterprise Boards, amongst others.
• Businesses in Co Clare can receive special assistance from Shannon Development.
• Firms in Gaeltacht areas are eligible for assistance from Údarás na Gaeltachta.
• Firms setting up on or near the Border (with Northern Ireland) can also access a range of cross-border initiatives.

Depending on your industry sector, it's useful to check out;

• LEADER companies
• Local Area Partnerships
• Teagasc
• Fáilte Ireland
• Bord Iascaigh Mhara
• Bord Bia

A Unique Fund for the Western Counties: The WDC Investment Fund

The Western Development Commission's Investment Fund (WDCIF) is a unique source of finance providing risk capital to business and community enterprises. These can be either new or expanding projects. The WDC Investment Fund which invests in commercially sound projects which the WDC considers to have good growth potential.

• The WDC invests on a commercial basis by way of ordinary share capital, preference share capital, and loans (or a combination).
• It does not provide grant aid.
• We look for a financial return on investments as well as a social dividend which will benefit the region such as enhanced quality of life through the provision of services and amenities, and creating new or sustaining existing jobs.

Full details and an application form are available at www.wdc.ie