Irish CFOs Face Growing Uncertainty – But Smart Investment Still Leads the Way

The latest CFO Spring Survey 2025 from Deloitte paints a complex picture for Irish businesses. On one hand, CFOs are facing mounting pressure from geopolitical risk, economic headwinds, and margin squeeze. On the other, Irish companies continue to show resilience through strategic investment, particularly in capital spending, talent, and sustainability.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we see this dual reality play out every day. SMEs are cautious, but not standing still. Many are pushing ahead with plans for growth – especially those investing in digital tools, improving efficiency, or preparing for regulatory shifts. Here’s what you need to know from the survey, and how flexible finance can support your business through 2025.

📉 Risk Appetite at Historic Lows

According to Deloitte, 86% of Irish CFOs say it’s not a good time to take more risk – up sharply from last year. Uncertainty has surged, with 60% now reporting high levels of concern about external disruption.

Key risks flagged by Irish finance leaders:

• Economic outlook (83%)

• Geopolitical instability (80%)

• Cyber threats (74%)

• Skills shortages (51%)

• Increasing regulation (46%)

This mirrors what we hear from SMEs: there’s a clear caution around borrowing, especially longer-term or inflexible debt. That’s where alternative finance solutions can make a difference.

⚙️ Despite Headwinds, Investment Continues

Here’s the good news: Irish CFOs are still planning to invest – more so than many of their European peers. According to the survey:

• 36% plan to increase capital expenditure (above the EU average)

• 40% are increasing spending on digital transformation

• 40% are investing in ESG and sustainability

• Less than 14% plan to reduce headcount, compared to 35% across Europe

This aligns with a clear message from Deloitte’s Tom Hynes:

“Ireland still presents opportunity. A significant number of CFOs believe there’s more scope to grow foreign direct investment... But the slower pace of digital transformation in Ireland is a concern. This is an area where companies need to act now to remain competitive.”

💡 Smart Finance for Strategic Moves

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with growing businesses across sectors – from tech and manufacturing to hospitality and retail – who are investing in:

• Equipment upgrades and automation

• Refurbishment and energy efficiency

• Talent acquisition and training

• Marketing and digital transformation

We know that traditional lenders aren’t always equipped to support businesses during times of high uncertainty. That’s why we partner with a range of alternative finance providers to offer:

• Fast unsecured business loans up to €500,000

• Flexible repayment terms up to 5 years

• Bridging and asset finance for CAPEX investments

• Non-bank funding for businesses with seasonal cash flow or complex credit histories

🔮 Looking Ahead

Deloitte’s report calls on CFOs to remain “future-focused” and to balance short-term cost control with long-term investment. The companies that do both will come out stronger.

If you're planning to upgrade, expand, or adapt in 2025, but need a funding partner who understands today’s challenges, talk to us at BusinessLoans.ie. We’ll help you secure the right finance – fast, flexible, and fit for your future.

Let’s turn uncertainty into opportunity. Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Irish SMEs Take Centre Stage at InterTradeIreland’s Funding Advisory Workshop

This week, we attended the Funding Advisory Service Workshop hosted by InterTradeIreland and delivered by Grant Thornton Ireland, and came away energised by the evolving funding landscape for Irish SMEs.

Held in Dublin and packed with founders, advisors, and funders, the event offered insight into the growing number of traditional and alternative financing routes now open to Irish businesses seeking to grow.

Key Highlights:

1. Entrepreneurial Resilience: Peaches Kemp’s Fireside Chat
Peaches Kemp, co-founder of the itsa..Group, shared her journey — from importing 80,000 bagels in a container back in the early 2000s to building one of Ireland’s best-known hospitality groups. Her key message: focus on profit over turnover, lean on mentors, and make decisions fast using reliable financial data.

2. Getting Funding-Ready
A panel of funders from Enterprise Ireland, Microfinance Ireland, the SBCI, and Grant Thornton stressed that SME founders need to be prepared:

• Keep financials up to date and accessible

• Use your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to strengthen applications

• Explore new green lending channels via SBCI

• Plan ahead to take advantage of Ireland’s new Angel Investor Relief, active since March 2025

3. The Rise of Non-Bank Lending
It was striking to see only one traditional bank lender on the final panel. Alongside AIB were Linked Finance, Beach Point Capital, and GRID Finance — all of whom are actively lending and bullish on SME growth.

Takeaway? Irish SMEs have more funding options than ever — but success depends on being well-prepared, building relationships, and thinking long-term.

Thanks to InterTradeIreland and Grant Thornton for organising such a practical, founder-focused event. If you're growing a business in Ireland, don’t overlook the wealth of advice and funding out there.

📌 Need help navigating the options? Reach out to us at BusinessLoans.ie — we help Irish SMEs find fast, flexible funding every day.

Why Irish Businesses Are Delaying Investment – and How You Can Stay Ahead

The Central Bank of Ireland’s latest Financial Stability Review paints a clear picture: Irish companies are holding back on new investments as global uncertainty rises. Tariff tensions between the US and its trading partners, combined with volatility in financial markets, have left many businesses in “wait-and-see” mode.

But while some companies are sitting on their hands, others are quietly positioning for growth — and access to fast, flexible finance is helping them do it.

What’s Going On?

According to Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf, “industry engagement points to cautiousness amongst companies, at least for now, in terms of new investments.” There’s evidence that uncertainty — particularly around US tariffs — has already softened consumer sentiment and prompted Irish firms to delay decisions.

Add to that:

• Increased risk of borrowing cost rises, with 40% of Irish mortgages still on variable rates.

• Non-bank real estate lenders under pressure from global financial markets.

• Slower growth forecasts for key trading partners like the US.

It’s no surprise some businesses are playing defence.

But Not Everyone Can Afford to Wait

Despite the nervous headlines, the Central Bank also notes that Irish businesses have built up financial resilience over the past decade. Many have strong balance sheets and untapped capacity for growth — if they can get the right funding.

And that’s where opportunity lies.

The Opportunity in Uncertainty

At BusinessLoans.ie, we’re seeing increased interest from businesses looking to:

• Access working capital to protect cash flow and stock up ahead of supply chain shifts.

• Invest in productivity (new equipment, software, automation) while competitors hold back.

• Refinance expensive debt, especially with market rates expected to rise.

• Secure bridging finance for property or development projects where banks are slowing down.

These businesses aren’t gambling — they’re hedging against uncertainty by staying liquid, flexible, and prepared.

How BusinessLoans.ie Can Help

We work with a wide panel of non-bank lenders, including some of the fastest, most flexible funding partners in Ireland. Whether you’re a retail business preparing for a tough winter, a manufacturer in the MNE supply chain, or a property developer hit by capital pullback, we can help you move forward — without the red tape.

✅ Unsecured business loans up to €500,000
✅ Asset finance for machinery, vehicles, and tech
✅ Bridging and development finance, even for non-bankable deals
✅ Working capital solutions to support day-to-day resilience

Final Word: The Cost of Standing Still

History shows that the businesses that thrive during uncertainty are those that invest wisely while others freeze. With the right finance partner, you can stay one step ahead — and be ready when the market turns.

💬 Ready to talk? Reach out today to explore your options with a trusted Irish broker who understands the market. Call 01 55 636 55.

From Pressure to Potential: How We Helped a Local Meat Wholesaler Regain Control

I took a call recently from a meat wholesaler who had been through a tough spell.

Some of his hospitality clients had closed down, leaving him with bad debts and accounts that were tight on profit. Banks weren’t interested in helping.

But the core business was solid — some funds tied up in stock, more owed by debtors, and new opportunities to buy discounted stock if he could move quickly.

Invoice finance didn’t suit him. He shared past frustrations — not just his own, but also his customers' — with how invoice finance had worked (or hadn’t) in real-world conditions.

We listened.

We organised a flexible repayment loan that works in sync with his cash flow. Open banking helps automate repayment pacing. The loan will be cleared over 12 months, and he has the option to top up once it's halfway paid.

Now he’s back to focusing on quality products — not cash flow stress.

This is exactly why we built BusinessLoans.ie — to back real Irish businesses run by good people, even when the numbers aren’t perfect on paper.

And it’s always great to a 5 star Google review like this come in after a deal closes:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Such an easy process, with Rupert help always at the end of the phone if I had any questions. Would highly recommend using Rupert.”

If your business is in the food, trade, or hospitality supply chain and needs some breathing room, call us on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Green Finance for Irish SMEs: How Sustainable Business Choices Can Save You Money and Boost Growth

Every year on June 5th, the world celebrates World Environment Day—a global movement that encourages environmental awareness and positive action. But for Irish businesses, going green isn’t just about doing good—it’s about doing smart business.

Whether you're a small retailer, manufacturer, hospitality provider, or logistics operator, sustainability is fast becoming a competitive advantage. And with growing access to green finance, it's now easier than ever to invest in eco-friendly upgrades that benefit both your bottom line and the planet.

What Is Green Finance?

Green finance refers to funding that supports environmentally sustainable projects. This can include:

• Renewable energy installations (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines)

• Energy efficiency upgrades (e.g., LED lighting, insulation, heat pumps)

• Electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure

• Green building retrofits and sustainable construction

• Waste reduction and recycling initiatives

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help Irish SMEs access flexible business loans that can be used for sustainable improvements—without long delays or red tape.

Why Should Irish Businesses Go Green?

💰 1. Cut Operating Costs

Investing in energy efficiency or renewables can dramatically reduce electricity, fuel, and heating bills—often paying for themselves within a few years.

🌟 2. Improve Your Brand Reputation

Customers and clients are more environmentally aware than ever. A visible commitment to sustainability builds goodwill and strengthens your brand’s reputation.

📈 3. Future-Proof Your Business

Governments and supply chains are moving toward stricter environmental regulations and sustainability reporting. Early adoption puts you ahead of the curve.

🔋 4. Unlock Grants and Tax Incentives

Many green projects qualify for government supports, SEAI grants, or accelerated capital allowances. Finance can bridge the gap between application and payout.

🤝 5. Attract New Opportunities

Being seen as a responsible, forward-thinking business can open doors to new contracts, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

How Green Business Loans Work

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with a range of alternative lenders and specialist green funding providers. Here's what you can expect:

• Loans from €10,000 to €500,000+

• Terms from 6 months to 5 years

• Suitable for companies investing in renewables, upgrades, or green equipment

• Fast decisions with minimal paperwork

• Options available for companies with limited trading history or imperfect credit

We can even combine green finance with broader business funding needs—so you can upgrade, expand, and go green at the same time.

Green Project Ideas for Irish SMEs

Looking for inspiration? Here are just a few examples of how SMEs are using green finance:

• Retailers installing solar panels to cut lighting and heating costs

• Logistics companies switching to electric vans and installing charging stations

• Restaurants and cafés investing in energy-efficient kitchens and composting systems

• Manufacturers upgrading to low-emission equipment and improving insulation

• Offices retrofitting windows and using smart thermostats to cut heating bills

Every business is different—but almost every business can benefit from sustainability.

Final Thoughts: Green Finance Is Good Business

World Environment Day is a reminder that we all have a part to play in protecting the planet. But for Irish SMEs, going green isn't just a moral choice—it’s a smart commercial strategy.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we’re here to help you access the funding you need to take the next step—whether it’s cutting energy use, upgrading your premises, or reducing your carbon footprint.

📞 Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 to about green finance options for your business; or APPLY HERE.

💡 Let’s make sustainability part of your growth story.

Frank Talk from Founders – Candid Lessons for Irish Business Owners from Ireland’s Top Entrepreneurs

This week, I had the pleasure of attending Frank Talk from Founders at AIB Headquarters, hosted by Scale Ireland. It featured four seasoned founders who didn’t sugar-coat the realities of scaling, fundraising, hiring, and leading companies in the Irish and global tech space.

Whether you're running a tech startup or managing an SME in a traditional sector, their lessons hit home for any ambitious business owner.

🔍 Here are four standout insights from the event:

🚀 1. Peter Coppinger – CEO @ Topper Coding | Founder of Teamwork.com & Success.co

Peter lasted just 3 weeks into “retirement” before launching his next startup. A born founder, he stressed two points:

• Do proper due diligence on your executive team — it matters more than you think.

• Bootstrapping worked for them for years, but eventually, scaling globally required venture capital.

Insight for SMEs:
Bootstrap while you can — but be ready to bring in funding when the opportunity to scale is bigger than your bank balance.

🚀 2. Leo Mac Canna – Co-Founder & CEO, Ocuco Limited

Leo has been CEO of Ocuco for over 30 years, growing it to nearly 400 staff. His growth strategy? Bold M&A moves, driven by instinct — even when his financial advisors urged caution.

Insight:
Don’t ignore your instincts. Conservative advice has its place, but real growth often requires bold decisions, especially when you see long-term potential.

🚀 3. Emma Meehan – Founder & CEO, KinetikIQ

Emma offered one of the most candid takes on fundraising:
From pitching to 40 angel investors to securing backing from an Austrian bank and Slovenian VC, it was a time-intensive, challenging process — especially as a female founder.

She also spoke about Ireland’s incredible overseas talent pool — many of whom came here for education and stayed — and the hard-earned leadership lesson: hire fast, fire faster.

Insight:
Don’t hesitate when you know someone isn’t the right fit. Delaying tough people decisions can cost you time, morale, and momentum.

🚀 4. Julie Garland – Founder & CEO, Avtrain

Julie showed the power of the pivot. Her company evolved from drone pilot training into certification and consultancy — a move that aligned better with market needs.

She credited Enterprise Ireland for supporting their funding strategy, cap table structure, and partner selection. Outsourcing software development was also key to scaling quickly and affordably.

Insight:
Be open to evolving your business model — and lean on the support systems available in Ireland, from EI to local partnerships.

🔚 Final Word

This wasn’t your usual pitch-fest or polished panel. It was a genuine conversation with founders who’ve been through the highs, lows, and hard calls.

Irish business owners — whether you're tech or trades — can learn a lot from the grit, strategy, and adaptability on display here.

Need funding to take your next big step?
Talk to us at BusinessLoans.ie — we’ll help you find the right solution, fast.

Summer Growth, Not Summer Slumps: How Irish SMEs Can Power Ahead with Fast, Flexible Funding

As summer arrives, many Irish businesses brace for seasonal swings. Some sectors heat up, while others cool down — but one constant remains: access to fast, flexible funding can make or break a business’s momentum. Whether you’re scaling up to seize a seasonal opportunity or bridging a cashflow gap, unsecured business loans and revenue-based financing could be the smart financial boost you need.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with hundreds of Irish SMEs each month — and we know that traditional bank loans aren’t always the right fit. Our unsecured options mean no need for property as security, and our revenue-based products flex with your turnover, not against it.

🚀 What is Revenue-Based Financing (RBF)?

Revenue-based financing is a flexible loan structure where repayments are tied directly to your sales. That means during slower months, you repay less — and when sales spike, you chip away more. It’s ideal for businesses with seasonal or fluctuating revenue.

✅ What are Unsecured Business Loans?

Unsecured loans don’t require you to pledge assets like property or equipment. Instead, we look at your trading history and current performance to offer term loans from €10,000 up to €500,000, with decisions in hours, not weeks.

💡 Real Use Cases Across Irish Industries

🛍️ Retailers: Stock Up, Not Stress Out

Summer means footfall, festivals, and tourists. One Cork-based gift shop owner used a €25,000 unsecured loan to bulk buy stock ahead of peak tourist season. With a strong summer forecast, the loan was paid down in just six months — and the increased margins made it well worth it.

“If I waited for the bank, I’d have missed the season entirely.”

🍽️ Hospitality: Renovate and Reopen

A Dublin café undergoing refurbishment faced delays in a grant payment. They tapped into revenue-based financing to bridge the gap. Because repayments were based on turnover, they weren’t under pressure during their soft launch phase.

“It gave us room to breathe and focus on getting customers back in the door.”

🛠️ Trades: Tools, Vans, and Team

A busy electrician in Limerick needed to add a van and hire an extra pair of hands to keep up with contracts. Traditional leasing didn’t work for second-hand vehicles from a private seller, so an unsecured loan of €18,000 helped him gear up in days — not weeks.

“No red tape. Just money in the account so I could say yes to more jobs.”

💻 Tech & Digital: Hiring Ahead of Demand

A software company in Galway landed two new clients and needed to recruit developers quickly. Rather than dilute equity, they chose a revenue-based facility to fund hiring and onboarding.

“It was smart capital that matched our growth.”

📈 Why Irish SMEs Are Choosing Flexible Finance

• Speed – Offers in 24 hours. Funds in as little as 48.

• No property required – Ideal for younger or asset-light businesses.

• Custom terms – From 3 months up to 5 years.

• Credit history challenges? – We work with lenders who take a commercial view.

☀️ Make This Summer Count

Whether you’re expanding, hiring, upgrading, or surviving a cashflow lull, there’s no need to sit on your hands and wait for a slow bank decision or risky overdraft.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we match Irish SMEs with real-world funding, fast. We’re not a one-size-fits-all platform. We listen, understand your needs, and guide you to the right solution at the right time — including options that work for businesses with late accounts, tax issues, or missed payments.

📞 Ready to Get Started?

Talk to our team today about how an unsecured business loan or revenue-based facility could help you unlock growth this summer.
Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Dublin Tech Summit 2025 Recap: Innovation, Risk & Opportunity for Irish SMEs

As the curtains close on Dublin Tech Summit 2025, one thing is clear — Ireland’s tech scene is buzzing with innovation, global perspectives, and real commercial momentum.

Across two packed days, leaders in AI, cybersecurity, digital design, fintech, sustainability, and scaling shared their visions, research, and tools for the future. Here’s what stood out — and why it matters for Irish businesses.

🔍 What We Saw and Heard

🧠 AI: Beyond the Hype

AI was everywhere — but not always in the way you’d expect.

• Hiroshi Ishii from the MIT Media Lab delivered a poetic keynote on TeleAbsence — using technology to connect with memory and loss, not just productivity. It reframed how we think about digital presence.

• On the flip side, Robert McArdle of Trend Micro showed how cybercriminals are already using GenAI — mostly for phishing, impersonation, and scalable social engineering. The threat isn’t science fiction — it’s happening now, in low-level but widespread ways.

🛠️ Deeptech, Fintech & Funding

• The European Innovation Council, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, and even JP Morgan had a strong presence — with funding conversations focused on deeptech, sustainability, and global growth.

• There’s a clear hunger from Irish startups and SMEs for non-bank funding options that move faster and work smarter.

💡 Themes That Kept Coming Up

• Trust is the new currency — in data, platforms, and partnerships.

• Speed matters — but so does staying grounded in your values.

• And crucially for Irish SMEs: Adaptability beats size.

🚀 What This Means for Irish SMEs

Dublin Tech Summit wasn’t just a showcase of unicorns and global firms. It was a clear sign that opportunities are growing for well-positioned, forward-thinking SMEs — especially those ready to invest in tech, talent, or transformation.

But growth comes with cost — and risk. Whether you’re:

• Upgrading your systems

• Hiring for new tech roles

• Investing in cybersecurity

• Chasing new export opportunities
  —you need a finance partner who moves at your speed.

That’s where we come in.

💼 BusinessLoans.ie – Fast, Flexible Funding for Irish SMEs

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help Irish businesses secure:

• ✅ Unsecured business loans up to €500,000

• ✅ Asset finance for new or used equipment

• ✅ Short-term working capital — when you need it most

• ✅ Solutions even when the bank says no

No jargon. No delay. Just practical funding to help you move forward.

If you saw something at Dublin Tech Summit that inspired your next move — talk to us. We’re ready to back you.

👋 See You Next Year!

Dublin Tech Summit 2025 was a powerful reminder that the future isn’t coming — it’s already here. Let’s make sure Irish SMEs have the tools — and funding — to lead in it.

VC Funding into Irish SMEs Hits €533m in Q1 — But Smaller Firms Still Left Behind

Venture capital investment into Irish SMEs more than doubled in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a record-breaking €532.8 million, according to the latest Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA) Venture Pulse survey, in association with William Fry.

The surge was largely driven by mega-deals over €30 million, including headline-grabbing raises by companies like Let’s Get Checked (€150m), Tines (€115m), and Protex AI (€31.8m). Funding in the €10m–€30m bracket also soared by 184% to €132m.

But for younger and earlier-stage companies, the story was less rosy. Deals under €1 million plummeted by 42%, and the number of small deals across the board fell sharply. In fact, just six deals were closed under the €1 million mark—down from 21 the previous year. Seed funding also slipped 3% year-on-year to €39.3m.

The takeaway? VC funding is flowing, but not everyone is getting a slice.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we’re seeing a growing wave of Irish SMEs that are generating strong revenue but are still in their early profitability journey—too big to be overlooked, too small to attract VC attention. For these businesses, debt-based alternatives like Recurring Revenue Finance and Merchant Cash Advance are increasingly powerful options.

These flexible funding solutions are designed for companies with solid revenue momentum, giving founders the capital they need to scale without giving away equity—or waiting endlessly for a VC meeting.

As international investors now account for 82% of Irish VC funding, local founders must be mindful of how exposed Ireland is to global market sentiment. VC funding can be game-changing—but it’s not the only path to growth.

If your business is starting to scale but struggling to secure equity investment, call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE. We’ll help you explore tailored finance options that align with your revenue and growth stage.

Client Spotlight: District One Gyms Opens New Location with Support from BusinessLoans.ie

When opportunity knocks, speed matters. That’s exactly what District One Gyms discovered when the chance came to open a brand-new gym location—but funding was needed fast to get the doors open.

Instead of navigating the slow and often complex process with a traditional bank, the team at District One came directly to BusinessLoans.ie. Here’s what they had to say in their glowing 5-star Google review:

“When the opportunity to open a new gym came up we needed cash quick. Rather than wasting time with banks we went direct to Business Loans. Rupert did all the paperwork, secured the finance and we could focus on pre-sales. This allowed us to get the process moving fast. Thanks to the team at Business Loans the fitout is complete and we've already doubled what we borrowed with our pre-sales. Thanks again!”

The Right Funding at the Right Time

We arranged a 24-month term loan for District One—tailored to match their cash flow and growth expectations. With the financing secured quickly, they were able to:

• Lock in the premises

• Complete a full gym fitout

• Launch a presale campaign without delay

The result? They’ve already doubled the value of their loan through strong presale performance—before even opening their doors.

Why Fast, Flexible Business Loans Matter

Whether you're expanding, launching a new location, or seizing an unexpected opportunity, timing is everything. Banks can take weeks to process an application—and many growing businesses don’t have that kind of time.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we specialise in fast, unsecured business loans from €10,000 to €500,000, with terms up to 5 years. We handle the paperwork, negotiate with lenders, and help you stay focused on what matters: running and growing your business.

Could Your Business Be Next?

If you’re planning an expansion, opening a second location, or investing in growth—talk to us first. Like District One Gyms, you could secure the funding you need in days, not weeks.

Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.