From Start-up to Scale-up: Finding the Right Support for Irish Founders

Starting a business in Ireland today can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There’s no shortage of opportunity, but navigating the range of supports can be confusing. Between Enterprise Ireland’s start-up programmes, Local Enterprise Office grants, and private lenders, it’s easy to wonder where to begin.

Enterprise Ireland has become a major player in helping founders get started. Its Pre-Seed Start Fund now offers €100,000 to early-stage businesses, and the New Frontiers programme gives training, mentoring and a €15,000 tax-free stipend. Both are aimed at helping people develop their idea into something investor-ready, without giving away equity too soon.

For anyone in the early stages, these kinds of supports can be invaluable. They provide structure, mentorship, and a bit of breathing room while you validate the idea and prepare for growth.

A more connected support network

One of the most useful changes in recent years is the National Enterprise Hub, which brings together 32 different agencies under one roof. This came from real feedback from founders who were tired of searching across different websites and departments for answers. It’s now much easier to find out which supports apply to your situation, whether you’re still testing an idea or already trading.

Enterprise Ireland has also started the Founders Exchange, which gives early-stage companies a chance to meet directly with investors, mentors, and support agencies. That kind of direct contact can make a real difference, especially when you’re trying to make sense of the Irish start-up ecosystem.

When private finance starts to make sense

In the early stages, most founders rely on savings, family help, or government supports. But as the business begins trading and files its first set of accounts, new options start to open up.

Once a company has a full year of accounts filed with the Companies Registration Office and is showing a net profit, it usually becomes eligible for lower-cost business loans from non-bank lenders. That stage is often the turning point where a start-up becomes a small business — and access to credit can expand significantly.

At that point, private finance can help with working capital, equipment upgrades, or expansion plans. The key is to have your financials in order so lenders can see a track record of trading and profitability.

Bringing it all together

Enterprise Ireland’s goal to support 1,000 start-ups by 2029 shows how serious Ireland has become about entrepreneurship. The ecosystem is maturing, and the mix of public and private supports is getting stronger.

For new founders, the most important step is simply to stay informed and plan ahead. Build a funding roadmap that starts with grants and mentoring, moves into revenue growth, and prepares for private finance once the numbers allow it.

There’s no single path that suits everyone. But with the right combination of early supports, careful planning, and solid financial management, Irish founders can turn ideas into long-term, profitable businesses.

When the Bank Says No — How One Business Unlocked €20,000 in Working Capital

Some of the best businesses I have helped over the years did not have perfect paperwork. And that is completely fine.

A few weeks ago, a client came to me after their bank turned them down for a small working capital loan. Their accounts were behind and the numbers did not look as neat as the bank wanted. But the business itself was strong. The owner worked hard, the vehicle was nearly paid off, and cash flow just needed a bit of support.

Instead of giving up, we looked at things differently.

I spoke with one of our asset finance partners and reviewed what the business already owned. In this case, they had a vehicle with plenty of equity. Within days, we arranged a refinance that released €20,000 in cash back into the business. It was straightforward, fast, and made a real difference.

That money gave them space to pay suppliers, manage running costs, and focus on getting back to growth.

Every week I meet business owners who have been declined by their bank for reasons that do not tell the full story. Sometimes it is because of timing. Sometimes it is just a tick-box issue. But behind those numbers there is almost always a good business trying to move forward.

That is why I started BusinessLoans.ie; to help real business owners find funding that fits their situation, not just their balance sheet.

If your bank has said no or you are unsure what options are available, reach out. Often the answer is already within your business. You just need the right partner to help you unlock it.

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

Turning Challenges into Wins: How Sole Traders Can Secure Business Term Loans

Running a small business on your own takes courage. Most sole traders I speak to are doing everything themselves, from chasing invoices to dealing with suppliers and managing tax returns. It’s no small job.

When it comes to applying for a business loan, it can feel like lenders are speaking another language. But with a few small changes, you can turn what feels like a “no” into a quick “yes.”

Here are some of the common things that hold sole traders back, and how you can fix them.

Keep your business account strictly business

Lenders need to understand how your business performs day to day. When they see personal spending mixed in with business transactions, it can make the application look more like a personal loan.

It’s perfectly fine to take drawings or transfer money to another account for personal use. Just try to keep your main business account clean and easy to follow. Having clear bank statements helps lenders see the real strength of your business.

Go beyond the basic Form 11

A simple Form 11 tax return doesn’t give lenders the full picture. Term loan lenders generally need a set of accounts prepared by your accountant or bookkeeper, with a profit & loss section and a balance sheet.

This shows how your business is performing, not just what you earned. It helps lenders make a decision faster and more confidently. It also helps you understand your own figures better, which is always a good thing when planning for growth.

If you don’t have this yet, it’s worth asking your accountant for a full set of accounts or even management accounts. It’s a small investment that can open big doors.

Keep your Tax Clearance Certificate up to date

Most sole traders are busy running their business and wearing every hat, so it’s easy to let paperwork slip. But a valid Tax Clearance Certificate is one of the first things lenders look for when reviewing a term loan.

It shows that your business is compliant and in good standing with Revenue. If you’ve fallen behind, don’t worry. In many cases, we can even help arrange short-term finance to clear a tax bill and get everything back on track. Once that’s done, more options become available to you.

Getting ready for approval

Term loan lenders usually need to see at least €100,000 in annual turnover on your accounts to provide a quote.

If your business is still building up to that level, there are still paths forward. We can point you in the right direction toward lenders like Microfinance Ireland who specialise in helping smaller businesses access finance.

Every strong business starts small. The key is getting your structure right early, so that when the time comes, lenders can clearly see your potential.

If you’re a sole trader ready to take the next step, we can help. Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Real Irish Businesses. Real Funding Wins.

Every business has its own story.

Sometimes that story includes a moment when cash becomes tight, plans change, or a lender’s structure no longer fits. That is where we come in. Our role is to help business owners find the right funding so they can keep moving forward.

Here are a few recent examples of clients we have helped.

A manufacturing client who needed room to breathe

A manufacturing company we have known for several years had invested heavily in creating a new product. Their invoice finance provider offered an additional short-term facility to assist, but the repayment schedule became difficult to manage.

The pressure on cash flow was slowing progress.

We arranged a new loan over a longer term that was separate from their invoices. It provided stability and working capital so they could return their focus to production and sales.

Sometimes it is not about securing more finance. It is about securing the right type of finance.

The client later left this 5-star review:

“Excellent and fast response from Rupert, great knowledge as to what options are out there, highly recommended.”

An advertising firm that needed a fairer approach

A growing advertising business approached us to finance new digital display screens. Their bank was not interested, most likely because some lenders are hesitant to fund technology assets. The owner was also clear that a personal guarantee was not an option.

We identified a specialist non-bank lender who understood the business model and approved the loan with no personal guarantee required.

The company has since expanded its network of screens and continues to grow with confidence.

A pub and venue preparing for the busy season

A well-known pub and live venue contacted us before their busiest time of year. They needed to purchase additional stock but did not have the most recent accounts required for a traditional term loan. Their merchant cash advance provider had already reached its limit.

We sourced a flexible short-term loan that met their needs quickly. The funding allowed them to stock up, prepare for the season, and focus on trading.

That additional support turned a potential challenge into a strong finish to the year.

Each of these clients had a different challenge. What they shared was the need for a funding solution that suited their situation.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we take the time to understand every client’s business and match them with suitable lenders across Ireland’s non-bank market.

If your business could benefit from flexible, practical funding, we would be pleased to assist. Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Funding That Fits: €100,000 Approved for a Long-Standing Machinery Sales Business

Some stories remind you why flexibility matters in business finance.

A few years ago, we helped a family-run machinery sales company secure a €250,000 term loan to expand. They’ve been in business for over 30 years, serving farmers and contractors across rural Ireland — good, honest people running a solid operation.

Earlier this year, things took a turn. They invested heavily in a new piece of machinery that turned out to be problematic and had to be returned. That created a serious stock issue, tied up capital, and pushed up costs at the worst possible time.

When the accounts were finalised, the business showed a loss for the year. On paper, that meant most mainstream lenders couldn’t quote. But looking a bit deeper, the fundamentals were still strong — steady customers, good margins, and valuable assets on the balance sheet.

We brought the case to a lender who actually understands how small businesses work in the real world. Together, we organised a 12-month loan for €100,000, with repayments that flex in tune with the company’s cash flow.

It wasn’t about ticking boxes — it was about finding a practical solution that made sense for where the business is right now.

The client is back focused on selling and servicing machinery instead of worrying about repayments. That’s a win in our book.

If your business has hit a bump in the road but still has the right foundations, it’s worth a chat. Sometimes all that’s needed is a lender who sees the full picture.

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

Fast Funding for Growth: €150,000 Approved for Modular Homes Business

At BusinessLoans.ie, we recently helped a leading Irish modular homes manufacturer secure €150,000 in flexible business finance to support their next stage of growth.

The funding, approved over a 3-year term, will be used for:

• Showroom upgrades to better showcase their expanding product range

• New hires to meet growing customer demand

• Business expansion across Ireland

What made this deal stand out was the speed and simplicity of the process. Within just a few days of application, the loan was approved with minimal paperwork, giving the business owner the confidence to move forward quickly without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Supporting Ireland’s Modular and Sustainable Housing Sector

Modular home manufacturing is one of the most promising areas in Ireland’s housing and construction landscape — combining innovation, sustainability, and speed of delivery. For growing businesses in this space, having fast access to capital can make all the difference when scaling production or securing new contracts.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we understand that time is money. Whether it’s working capital, equipment upgrades, or expansion projects, our role is to make finance fast, flexible, and stress-free for Irish SMEs.

If you’re planning to invest in your business growth, we can help you secure the right funding — often in as little as 24–48 hours.

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

Don’t Give Away Equity Too Soon: Why Debt Finance Can Be the Smarter Option

Venture capital isn’t the only way to scale.
In fact, for many Irish business owners, it’s often not the best first move.

Recent headlines have celebrated record-breaking VC investment into Irish SMEs — over €532 million in Q1 2025, according to the Irish Venture Capital Association. Much of that went to a handful of high-growth tech and life sciences firms. But for every company that attracts VC money, dozens more are quietly growing through something far less complicated — strategic debt finance.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help those businesses move forward without giving up control.

The Hidden Cost of Venture Capital

Venture capital can be a powerful tool for early-stage innovators, especially in areas like AI, fintech, and life sciences. But VC funding comes with trade-offs that many founders underestimate.

Investors typically expect:

• Equity ownership (often 10–40%)

• Influence over decision-making

• Defined exit timelines through sale or IPO

That can work if your goal is rapid international scale. But for most established or growing SMEs — construction firms, engineering companies, tech consultancies, retailers, manufacturers — the price of capital dilution is far higher than the interest on a loan.

Debt Finance: Growth Without Dilution

Where venture capital seeks equity, business loans preserve ownership.
That means you can finance expansion, equipment, acquisitions, or working capital without losing control of your company or your future profits.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with a wide panel of Irish and international lenders offering:

• Unsecured term loans up to €500,000 (no collateral required)

• Asset finance to fund machinery, vehicles, or equipment

• Revenue-based and merchant finance for flexible repayment options

• Trade and bridging finance for importers, exporters, and property investors

These solutions can often be approved in 24–48 hours — not months of investor meetings and due diligence.

When to Choose Debt Over Equity

Debt can be the right move if:

• You already generate consistent revenue or cash flow

• You’re funding growth, not survival

• You value ownership, speed, and flexibility

• You want to retain 100% of your business

Even early-stage founders can mix both approaches — using short-term debt to hit milestones that make them more attractive to investors later, on better terms and higher valuations.

The New Reality: Balanced Capital Stacks

Government support schemes, such as the SBCI and Enterprise Ireland’s co-investment initiatives, are helping Irish SMEs blend debt, equity, and grants more strategically.
But too often, founders rush toward VC because it feels like the only route to credibility.

It isn’t.

The smartest businesses use debt as a bridge — funding product development, hiring, or contracts — while maintaining leverage at the negotiation table when (or if) they eventually bring in investors.

Fast, Flexible, and Founder-Friendly

Every week, we see Irish SMEs secure funding to:

• Acquire a competitor or complementary business

• Purchase equipment or vehicles

• Refit premises or expand capacity

• Ease cash flow during busy contract cycles

And they do it without giving up a single share.

Talk to Us First

If you’re weighing up funding options or preparing for a VC conversation, don’t rush to sign the first term sheet. Explore the debt finance alternatives that let you keep control and move faster.

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

Fast approvals. No jargon. No equity lost.

Budget 2026: What Irish Business Owners Need to Know

The Government’s 2026 Budget, announced on 7 October 2025, focuses on stability and targeted support rather than major reform. While income tax rates remain unchanged, there are several new measures and extensions that will affect how Irish businesses plan, invest and manage cash flow over the coming year.

Below is a summary of the key changes and what they could mean for business owners across Ireland.

Headline Measures

Income and Employment Taxes
There are no changes to income tax rates, credits or thresholds. The previously legislated PRSI increases took effect on 1 October 2025, with employee and self-employed contributions rising to 4.2 percent and employer contributions to 11.25 percent.

The 2 percent USC rate band has been widened to €28,700. Reliefs such as the Rent Tax Credit and the income tax exemption for micro-generated electricity sales (up to €400) have been extended to 2028. Mortgage interest relief continues on a tapered basis until the end of 2026, and benefit-in-kind relief for electric vehicles has been extended until 2029.

The Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) has been renewed for five years, with the qualifying income threshold raised to €125,000. The Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP) has been extended to 2028, and the Foreign Earnings Deduction (FED) has been increased to €50,000.

The new auto-enrolment pension scheme will begin on 1 January 2026, requiring matched employer and employee contributions of 1.5 percent, with gradual increases over time.

Business and Corporate Tax

The Research and Development (R&D) tax credit rises from 30 to 35 percent, and the first-year payment threshold increases to €87,500. The participation exemption for foreign dividends has been broadened, while incentives for the film and digital games sectors have been extended, pending EU approval.

A new 1 percent stamp duty exemption applies to share purchases in Irish-listed companies with a market capitalisation under €1 billion. Accelerated capital allowances for energy-efficient equipment and gas vehicles have been extended until 2030.

Property and Construction

Developers can now claim a 125 percent corporation tax deduction on qualifying apartment construction costs, up to a maximum of €50,000 per unit. The Living City Initiative, which supports regeneration in designated urban areas, has been extended to 2030 and expanded to include older residential and commercial buildings.

A new Derelict Property Tax will replace the Derelict Sites Levy from 2027, expected at a similar 7 percent rate. Income tax relief for landlords retrofitting properties is extended to 2028, and the number of eligible properties rises from two to three.

Indirect Taxes and VAT

The VAT rate on new apartments drops from 13.5 to 9 percent from 8 October 2025 until 2030. From July 2026, a 9 percent VAT rate will apply to food, catering and hairdressing services. The 9 percent VAT rate on gas and electricity is extended to 2030.

Carbon tax increases to €71 per tonne of CO₂ from October 2025 for auto fuels, and from May 2026 for other fuels. E-invoicing will be phased in for business-to-business transactions. Vehicle Registration Tax relief for electric vehicles continues until the end of 2026.

What It Means for Irish Businesses

Budget 2026 is steady and pragmatic. It rewards businesses that plan ahead, particularly those investing in innovation, construction, and sustainability.

The higher R&D tax credit strengthens the case for companies investing in technology or product development. Many of these projects require upfront capital before the benefits are realised, which makes access to flexible working capital increasingly important.

In construction and property, the new 125 percent deduction and lower VAT rate on apartments are designed to accelerate housing delivery. These measures are likely to increase project activity and with it, the need for short-term funding to manage cash flow through each stage of development.

For employers, higher PRSI rates and the introduction of auto-enrolment pensions will increase payroll costs over time. Maintaining adequate liquidity will be essential to manage these obligations without disrupting operations.

With extended supports for energy-efficient equipment and green investments, businesses that upgrade their infrastructure or reduce energy use can continue to benefit. However, these projects often require upfront spending that can be funded efficiently through short-term or asset-based lending.

How BusinessLoans.ie Can Support Irish SMEs

At BusinessLoans.ie, our focus is helping Irish business owners access the right funding quickly and with minimal paperwork. We work with a wide range of non-bank lenders, offering solutions for working capital, equipment and asset finance, property development, and business expansion.

Budget 2026 brings opportunities for those ready to invest in growth or efficiency. Whether you’re upgrading equipment, managing payroll costs, or financing a new project, the right funding partner can make the difference between delaying plans and moving forward confidently.

Final Thoughts

Budget 2026 is not about sweeping reform but about building momentum. It rewards companies that innovate, invest, and plan ahead. For many Irish SMEs, success will depend on maintaining cash flow and having access to flexible finance as new opportunities arise.

If you’re preparing for growth in 2026 and want to explore funding options for your business, call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Tax Time Pressure? Here’s How Irish SMEs Can Protect Their Working Capital

As tax deadlines approach, many business owners across Ireland face a familiar challenge: the cash reserves they’ve carefully built up are suddenly needed to cover their Revenue bill.

What was comfortable working capital in your current account can be depleted overnight. Payroll, suppliers, stock purchases, and day-to-day operations don’t stop just because tax season arrives — but your liquidity can.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help SMEs across Ireland smooth out these seasonal cash flow pressures with straightforward, fast finance options tailored to business needs.

Why Tax Time Strains Working Capital

• One-off lump sums: Revenue liabilities often come as large, single payments rather than manageable instalments.

• Timing mismatch: Just when trading might be quieter, or customers are taking longer to pay, the tax bill falls due.

• Opportunity cost: Using cash reserves for tax can mean delaying investment in stock, equipment, or new projects.

This can leave businesses vulnerable to missed opportunities, stretched supplier terms, or even dipping into overdrafts.

The Smart Way to Shore Up Cash Flow

Instead of draining reserves, Irish SMEs can preserve liquidity and keep operations steady through short- to medium-term funding options:

✅ Unsecured Term Loans

• From €10,000 up to €500,000

• Fixed repayments up to 36 months

• No collateral required — just fast, straightforward approval

• Ideal for covering tax while keeping cash available for growth

✅ Revenue-Based Financing

• Flexible repayments linked to your turnover

• Easier to manage during seasonal ups and downs

• Works well for businesses with fluctuating monthly revenues

These options can provide peace of mind: your tax bill is paid on time, and your business retains the working capital it needs to grow.

Why Choose BusinessLoans.ie?

• Fast decisions: Approvals in days, not weeks.

• Wide lender panel: Access to Ireland’s leading non-bank finance providers.

• No jargon, no hassle: We keep the process simple and paperwork light.

• Trusted by Irish SMEs: From retailers to contractors, hundreds of businesses already rely on us to secure the funding they need.

Don’t Let Tax Bills Drain Your Growth Plans

Tax time doesn’t have to mean tight cash flow. With the right funding in place, you can meet obligations confidently and keep investing in your business.

If your working capital is under pressure this season, talk to BusinessLoans.ie today for a free, no-obligation funding quote.

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

BusinessLoans.ie Surpasses €1 Million in Approvals with Lending Partner Flurish

At BusinessLoans.ie, we’re proud to announce that this month we’ve completed over €1 million in approvals with our lending partner Flurish — supporting ambitious Irish SMEs across a range of sectors.

This milestone reflects not just the scale of funding we can secure, but also the diversity of Irish businesses we help every day. From marketing to engineering, hospitality to HVAC, our role is to unlock finance so companies can act on opportunities and move forward with confidence.

Real Businesses, Real Growth Stories

Here’s a snapshot of the kinds of projects we’ve funded this month:

• Marketing agency acquisition – helping a company expand its footprint by acquiring a complementary business.

• Engineering firm property purchase – securing premises to strengthen long-term operations and stability.

• Seafood business equipment investment – upgrading machinery to boost efficiency and competitiveness.

• Pizza chain fit-out – funding the opening of a new premises to serve a growing customer base.

• HVAC contractor working capital – providing the liquidity needed to take on multiple projects at once.

Each approval tells a story of ambition, resilience, and growth. And in every case, BusinessLoans.ie worked closely with both the business and our lending partner to get the right funding in place — fast.

Why SMEs Choose BusinessLoans.ie

Irish SMEs turn to us because:

• We have direct access to multiple lenders across term loans, asset finance, trade finance and more.

• We move quickly — many approvals happen within days, not weeks.

• We keep the process simple, so owners can focus on running their businesses.

• We can support everything from €10,000 working capital top-ups to multi-million euro growth projects.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you’re planning an acquisition, upgrading equipment, fitting out new premises, or just need working capital to manage projects, we can help you secure funding that matches your goals.

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