Surviving the Squeeze: How Irish SMEs Are Adapting to Rising Costs

If you’re running a small business in Ireland right now, you already know what the data confirms: costs are rising fast. According to the SME Business Sentiment Survey (May 2025) from Chartered Accountants Ireland and GRID Finance, 80% of SMEs say their costs have increased in the past six months.

The biggest pressure? Staff costs — cited as the top challenge by 37% of respondents. Add in rising operational expenses, regulatory compliance demands, and inflation-related uncertainty, and it’s clear: running a business in 2025 requires not just resilience, but flexibility.

💡 The New SME Reality: Tight Margins, Tough Choices

Many business owners are taking a hard look at their operating models. But cutting back isn't always the right answer — especially when you're trying to retain talent, meet growing demand, or invest in productivity improvements.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with Irish SMEs every day who are navigating these pressures. What we see time and time again is this: the most successful businesses are the ones that secure the right kind of funding — at the right time.

🧰 Smart Funding for Real-World Costs

Whether it's a short-term cash flow boost to cover payroll, or flexible capital to manage rising supplier costs, external finance doesn’t have to mean long-term risk. In fact, the right funding can be the difference between a hard quarter and a strong one.

We help Irish SMEs access:

• Working capital loans to keep cash flowing through seasonal or unpredictable cycles

• Business expansion funds when it’s time to grow, not pause

• Merchant cash advances, equipment finance, and more — with fast, straightforward approvals even if you're outside the traditional banking box

And because we work with multiple lenders, including non-bank options like GRID Finance, we can help you find a solution that fits your needs and your comfort level.

✅ What Next?

If you’re feeling the pressure of rising costs, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to go it alone.

👉 Let us help you finance your next step — simply, securely, and without the red tape.

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

Struggling to Get Business Funding? Here's a Smarter, Faster Option

If you've tried to secure a business loan through traditional channels and hit a wall, you're not alone.

Many business owners face challenges like:

• Late-filed accounts

• Missed tax deadlines

• Returned payments on bank statements

• Low or no credit score

• Limited trading history

These issues often lead to an automatic rejection from banks or mainstream lenders — even if your business is trading well.

But here’s the good news: you still have funding options.

⚡ Introducing Fast, Flexible Funding for Real-World Businesses

We work with an alternative lender that specialises in supporting businesses that don’t fit the traditional mould. Whether you're behind on paperwork, recovering from a rough patch, or just getting started — you may still qualify for short-term funding.

✔ How it works:

• Funding amounts: €5,000 to €200,000

• Speed: Approval within 24 hours

• Security: No personal guarantees or collateral required

• Repayments: Fixed weekly payments over 4 to 6 months

• Early repayment discounts available

🛑 Who this is ideal for:

This type of funding is perfect if your business:

• Has been declined by banks or traditional lenders

• Is facing short-term cash flow pressure

• Needs to cover VAT bills, wages, stock, or supplier costs

• Is ineligible for term loans due to credit or compliance issues

🔐 No Credit Score? No Problem.

Unlike banks, this lender focuses on your business’s trading activity — not your credit score. If you're generating regular revenue, even with some financial hiccups, there's a good chance you’ll qualify.

💬 What Our Clients Say:

“We’d been refused by the bank due to a late tax return. Within 48 hours we had €20,000 in our account, no hassle. Game changer.” — Retail business owner, Galway

🎯 Final Thought: It’s Not About Where You’ve Been — It’s Where You’re Going

Every business faces tough periods. What matters is having access to fast, fair support when you need it.

If you're ready to explore your funding options — confidentially and without pressure — click below to get started.

👉 APPLY HERE.
No obligation. No impact on your credit score.

Top 5 Reasons Why Business Owners Use Alternative Finance

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help business owners across Ireland secure the funding they need—quickly and efficiently. While banks remain a traditional source of business finance, many entrepreneurs turn to alternative lenders for a variety of reasons. In our latest video, we explore the top five reasons why business owners choose alternative finance over traditional banks.

5. The Bank is Taking Too Long

Time is money, and in business, delays in securing finance can mean missed opportunities. Traditional banks have long application processes, multiple approval layers, and strict underwriting procedures. Alternative lenders, on the other hand, move much faster, often providing approvals within days rather than weeks or months.

4. The Bank is Requesting Too Much Information

Banks typically require extensive documentation, including financial statements, tax returns, business plans, and detailed forecasts. While this level of scrutiny makes sense for risk management, it can be overwhelming and time-consuming for business owners. Alternative lenders streamline the process with more flexible documentation requirements, making it easier to access funding.

3. The Business Has Some Missed Payments

Traditional banks have rigid lending criteria, and even a few missed payments can result in a declined application. Alternative lenders take a more holistic approach. Some are willing to accept a higher risk threshold, especially if there is a strong underlying business case. Secured financing options, where assets are used as collateral, can also help businesses access funding despite a less-than-perfect banking history.

2. The Business is Seasonal

Seasonal businesses face unique cash flow challenges. Many traditional loans require fixed monthly repayments, which can be difficult to maintain during off-peak months. A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) offers a more flexible solution. With an MCA, repayments are based on a fixed percentage of daily sales, meaning businesses pay less when revenue is slow and catch up when business picks up.

1. They Need More Than the Bank Quoted

Banks are often conservative when it comes to loan amounts, basing decisions strictly on past financial performance rather than growth potential. Alternative lenders assess the bigger picture, looking at business projections and market trends. This flexibility allows businesses to secure the higher amounts they need to expand, invest, or cover unexpected costs.

Alternative Finance: A Smart Choice for Business Owners

At BusinessLoans.ie, we specialise in connecting Irish business owners with the right funding solutions. Whether you’re facing delays with the bank, need more flexibility, or require a higher loan amount, alternative finance could be the answer.

Call the BusinessLoans.ie team for fast finance quotes on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Bad Credit? Business Loan Options in Ireland

Running a business comes with its challenges, and managing cash flow is one of the biggest. If you’ve had a few missed payments and your bank statements show referral charges, you might worry about your financing options. The good news? Business loans are still possible—even if your credit history isn’t perfect.

Our lending partners assess your business by reviewing your accounts and bank statements, assigning a risk grade from A to D. Based on this, you’ll receive a loan offer with interest rates typically ranging from 6% to 12%. While more missed payments can increase your risk grade, we can provide approval information within 24 hours. Best of all, we never charge a fee for a quote, so there’s no cost to explore your options. If the offer doesn’t suit you, there are alternative solutions to consider.

4 Alternative Financing Options

1. Secured Finance

If your business owns valuable assets such as machinery, vehicles, or equipment, you may be able to secure a loan against them. This can help mitigate the impact of missed payments. For businesses that own land or property, secured finance is an option—but it’s generally only viable for loan amounts of €250k because of significant fixed due diligence costs in building such deals.

2. Invoice Finance

If you have outstanding invoices and are waiting on payments from customers, invoice finance could be a solution. Lenders offer both one-off funding and ongoing credit lines based on your receivables, allowing you to access cash flow when you need it.

3. Merchant Cash Advance

Does your business process payments via card machines, PayPal, Stripe, or similar platforms? A merchant cash advance could be a viable funding route. Instead of fixed repayments, a small percentage of your daily revenue is automatically deducted, making it a flexible option even if you have missed payments.

4. Asset Finance

Need to acquire new equipment, vehicles, or machinery? Asset finance can help you invest in essential business tools without the need for upfront capital. Lenders typically retain ownership of the asset until the loan is fully repaid, reducing their risk and increasing your chances of approval—even with a few credit blemishes.

Get a Fast Quote – No Upfront Fees

If you’re considering business finance, we’re here to help. Contact the BusinessLoans.ie team today for a fast, no-obligation quote: Call us on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

As always, consult with your accountant or business adviser to ensure debt finance is the right fit for your situation.

Recent deal: Tyre business on track with quick loan approval

BusinessLoans.ie is celebrating another successful deal for our tyre sales business client. They got €100,000 for stock and working capital, approved in 24 hours. This loan will have a flexible repayment that works in tune with their cash flow and will be repaid over 12 months. It is a good vote of confidence that the solution is a good fit because it is their fourth facility. 

Does your business want a fast finance quote? Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Fast finance to get 2025 started? Get same day approval on €50,000 business loans

Many business owners in Ireland have used the Christmas break to work on their business rather than in their business. If that sounds like you, and you’ve got big growth plans for 2025, then a same day approval business loan might help keep the momentum. BusinessLoans.ie can help with same day approval on business loans up to €50,000; and that’s in addition to next day approval on amounts up to €500,000.

same day €50,000 business loan

• Rates generally from 6% to 10%

• Terms from 12 months to 60 months

• Purpose of funds can be for business expansion, working capital and more

To apply, your business should have at least one year’s accounts done and in profit; no missed payments in the bank statements and a tax clearance certificate. We can even help with some quick initial feedback to see if you’re potentially eligible, and if so you can get an indication of maximum approval amount. For fast finance quotes APPLY HERE or call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55.

Recent deal: Seafood seller catches a €150,000 working capital loan

BusinessLoans.ie is celebrating another successful finance deal. It was for a seafood exporter expanding into new markets. The business has been enjoying year-on-year growth with significant sales into China; and now enjoying better margins in their new USA market. They were happy with €150,000 approved in 24 hours, at a fair rate.

Does your business want to hook a fast finance quote? Call us on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie.

Business Loans: Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme

BusinessLoans.ie is happy to have access to the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme (UCGS). It gives businesses lower rate loans and without personal guarantees.

What is UCGS?

Our partner credit teams have Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) funds under the UCGS. Businesses that have seen costs go up 10% due to war can qualify, for example, inflation on utilities and fuel.

Loan features:

• Rates start at 5.65%.
  

• Loans from €10,000 to €250,000.
  

• Terms from 12 months to 60 months. 
  

• No personal guarantee.
  

• Instant funding on acceptance.
  

• Unsecured business loans for working capital or investment. 
  

If the business qualifies under the scheme, it still needs to pass the underwriting process. Expect to need to have recent filed accounts in profit, a tax clearance certifiate and no recent missed payments in the bank statements.

Does your business want a fast finance quote? Call the BusinessLoans.ie team today on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie.

Fast loan quote? Flexible Repayment Loan

BusinessLoans.ie has a fast finance quote option for up to €250,000. Businesses that are trading from 9 months onwards and turnover of at least €20,000 a month can enjoy 24 hour approval. The repayment is flexible because it keeps in tune with cash flow over a term up to 12 months. Generally the partner credit team can top up the loan once it’s paid down at least halfway.

Many businesses in Ireland have tight profits or tax clearance certificate issues such as phased payment plans or tax warehousing with Revenue. Sometimes approval can be made in such circumstances and it costs nothing to check.

Does your business want a fast finance quote? Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie.

Recent deal: Tile superstore gets a €100,000 stocking loan

BusinessLoans.ie is celebrating another successful deal. It was to assist a tile superstore get extra stock. Business was booming but their last set of accounts ended up on a small loss due to the pandemic. Because of the loss they were having a difficult time accessing unsecured finance. We identified a merchant cash advance opportunity due to their large volume of sales by card. The lending partner was able to provide an initial €30,000 facility and then, some months later, another €100,000 facility. Our client was happy to have a flexible repayment that works with their cash flow cycle.

Does your business need a fast finance quote? Call the Business Loans team on 01 55 636 55 or email hello@businessloans.ie.