Looking Ahead: Preparing Your Business Finance for the End of Summer and Q4

A little planning now can set you up for a smoother year-end

It might still feel like summer, but in just a few weeks, the pace of business will pick up again. Customers will be back in full swing, the phones will ring more often, and Q4 targets will start to come into focus.

For many business owners, late August and September bring a shift from holiday mode into growth and planning mode — and that includes thinking about funding.

Why It Pays to Think Ahead

1. Get your figures in order
With your latest accounts filed and summer trading behind you, lenders will have a clear, up-to-date view of your performance. That makes this a good time to check what your business could qualify for.

2. Plan without the pressure
Right now, you have the breathing room to explore options without the deadlines and urgency that come later in the year. You can weigh up the best type of finance for your plans — whether that’s working capital, stocking, or equipment upgrades.

3. Spot opportunities early
Sometimes, the best opportunities come to those who are ready. Having funding pre-approved now means you can act quickly if a supplier discount, bulk order deal, or new project comes your way in Q4.

4. Avoid the year-end bottleneck
Lenders get busy later in the year. By having your plans in place ahead of time, you won’t be competing for attention during the pre-Christmas rush.

Funding You Might Consider Before Q4

  • Working capital to smooth cash flow when things get busier

  • Stock and inventory finance to buy ahead of seasonal price rises

  • Asset finance for equipment or vehicles you’ve been holding off on

  • Flexible repayment loans for shorter-term projects or campaigns

Final Thought

You don’t need to make big finance moves today — but a quick check on your options now could make the months ahead far easier. By the time summer winds down, you’ll be ready to focus on growth rather than scrambling for last-minute approvals.

We can give you fast, no-obligation feedback on what’s available based on your latest figures, so you can step into Q4 prepared and confident.

Trade Uncertainty? How Business Loans Can Support Export Diversification

As new US tariffs hit Irish exporters, many SMEs are reassessing their markets and margins. Here’s how business finance can help you adapt.

A new trade deal between the EU and the United States introduces a 15% tariff on a wide range of European exports. While this offers some stability after months of uncertainty, it’s still a significant increase from the much lower tariffs in place before—and it’s putting real pressure on Irish businesses trading into the US.

If your business relies on exports to the US, you may already be feeling the squeeze. But with the right financial support, there’s an opportunity to refocus and build new routes to growth.

What’s Changed and Why It Matters

As of July 2025, Irish businesses exporting goods like food, drink, pharmaceutical components, semiconductors and machinery to the US will face a standard 15% tariff.

Enterprise Ireland estimates that €3.8 billion worth of exports could be affected, across hundreds of Irish SMEs. Many of these operate with tight margins and limited capacity to absorb new costs.

Some may choose to pass those costs on, others may renegotiate contracts—but many are now asking: Is it time to explore new markets?

Why Diversifying Export Markets Makes Sense

If you’ve focused heavily on the US for growth, it’s worth looking at alternative regions where the barriers are lower and the returns more stable. These could include:

  • The UK and Northern Europe

  • Canada and other EU trade agreement partners

  • EU member states with rising demand for Irish-made goods

Making this kind of shift takes planning, and it often takes funding too—whether to invest in new packaging, logistics, certifications or simply to support a temporary cash flow gap while new sales come in.

How Business Finance Can Help

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with businesses making moves like this all the time. Here’s how the right loan or funding solution can support your export strategy:

Working capital loans
Support short-term costs like marketing, stock purchases, or onboarding new clients in different regions.

Trade finance or invoice finance
Release cash tied up in international invoices or supplier orders, especially if you’re negotiating longer terms with new buyers.

Asset finance
Fund equipment upgrades or manufacturing changes to meet export regulations or scale production for a new market.

A Simple Plan to Move Forward

Here’s a basic framework for exporters thinking about making a change:

  1. Review how much of your turnover depends on US exports

  2. Recheck pricing and margins with the new tariffs factored in

  3. Research alternative markets that suit your product and capacity

  4. Identify what funding might be needed to make the switch

  5. Speak to us—we’ll help you explore your finance options

Supporting Irish Businesses Through Trade Changes

BusinessLoans.ie helps Irish SMEs get access to fast, flexible funding—without the red tape. Whether you’re dealing with a cash flow gap, planning an expansion, or adapting to a changing market, we’re here to help.

  • Unsecured loans up to €500,000

  • Fast turnaround times

  • No obligation to proceed

Get in touch today to explore your options.

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

Funding the Future: How Irish SMEs Can Use Finance to Embrace Tech, AI & Automation

Artificial Intelligence and digital tools aren’t just for big tech firms or multinationals. Increasingly, they’re becoming essential for small and medium-sized businesses right across Ireland. Whether it's streamlining operations, targeting new customers, or automating repetitive tasks, technology is reshaping how business is done.

At a recent event hosted by Trinity Business School – the Digital Business and Analytics Research Day – experts from the worlds of marketing, finance and academia discussed how AI is already changing how we work. One key theme emerged: the businesses that learn to use AI and automation effectively will outperform those that don't.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we’re seeing this shift up close. More and more of our clients are coming to us to fund digital upgrades, automation tools, and smarter marketing systems. The good news? You don’t need a massive budget to get started — but you do need a plan and the right funding partner.

Why invest in technology now?

1. Reach more customers efficiently
Digital marketing tools powered by AI can identify and engage your ideal customer base — often faster and more accurately than traditional methods. Automated email campaigns, targeted ads, and CRM systems can transform your marketing efforts.

2. Work smarter, not harder
From stock control to customer follow-ups, automation tools free up your time and reduce costly manual errors. That time can be reinvested into sales, service, or strategy.

3. Get clearer data, faster
Modern systems give you better visibility into what’s working and what’s not — whether it’s through dashboards, analytics tools or integrated reports.

4. Stay competitive
Many businesses are already trialling AI for content creation, customer service, and financial forecasting. Standing still is not an option.

How BusinessLoans.ie can help

Whether you're launching a new e-commerce platform, upgrading your back-office systems, or rolling out a marketing automation strategy, the right finance can help you move faster and with less risk.

Here’s how businesses are using the finance we arrange:

  • Investing in CRM or ERP systems

  • Hiring consultants to implement automation

  • Funding ad campaigns or SEO work

  • Buying licences for AI-powered platforms

  • Training staff to use new tools effectively

  • Building or upgrading business websites

We can arrange unsecured business loans of up to €500,000, often with flexible terms and no early repayment penalties. That means if your investment pays off quickly, you can settle early and save on interest.

Make your tech spend count

Not every business needs the latest AI model or enterprise software. But most Irish SMEs can benefit from tools that reduce admin, enhance customer engagement, or improve decision-making.

With the right funding in place, your business can embrace digital change — without disrupting cash flow or compromising growth.

Let’s talk

If you’re thinking about investing in technology, marketing or automation for your business, get in touch. At BusinessLoans.ie, we’ll help you explore the most suitable finance options and put a plan in place that supports your goals.

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