What Irish Startups Really Need: Insights from The Irish Startup Conference 2025

On May 20th, I attended The Irish Startup Conference 2025 — a packed event that brought together over 300 startup founders, CXOs, and investors from across Ireland. The atmosphere was buzzing with optimism, practical advice, and, importantly, real talk about what it takes to grow a business in today’s market.

Founders: Build with Intention

The first panel featured successful Irish entrepreneurs like Karen Clince (Tigers Childcare) and Jac Dunne (Dimply). Their stories hit home for any founder who's ever felt stretched thin. A few of their key takeaways:

  • Surround yourself with the right team — especially in areas like finance, strategy, or commercial leadership.

  • Ask for help — the Irish business community is more open and generous than many think.

  • Don’t fear investment — but do see it as a partnership, not just a transaction.

  • Stay aligned with your core values — it helps you choose the right collaborators and stay focused on your long-term vision.

These aren’t just feel-good sentiments. They’re grounded in the hard realities of scaling — and making time to work on the business, not just in it.

Investors: Capital is Out There — But It's Not One-Size-Fits-All

The second panel brought in voices from Enterprise Ireland, Molten Ventures, Endeavor Ireland, Delta Partners, and Sure Valley Ventures. There was no sugar-coating here either:

  • Now is a good time to start a business — capital is available, especially for those solving meaningful problems.

  • Venture capital isn’t for every business — it’s suited to tech startups with global ambitions and high-return potential.

  • Your story matters — clarity, intentionality, and knowing your numbers go further than hype.

  • Build long-term relationships — many successful raises come from investors who’ve watched you build over years.

VCs are backing a tiny percentage of the companies they review (Molten Ventures sees 2,000+ deals a year, invests in 12). That doesn’t mean your business isn’t investable — it just means you might need to explore other types of capital.

The BusinessLoans.ie Perspective

This is where BusinessLoans.ie comes in. We help founders and business owners access fast, flexible funding, especially when:

  • The business isn’t quite ready for VC — or may never need it

  • Traditional banks aren’t an option due to lack of collateral, trading history, or red tape

  • Timing is crucial — you need working capital to seize an opportunity, bridge a cash gap, or invest in growth

We work with Irish SMEs every day to provide funding that supports your vision, on your timeline — without the pressure of giving up control or waiting months for a decision.

Whether you’re in e-commerce, services, trades, or tech — if you’ve got a good business and a clear need, we’ll work with you to get it funded.

Final Thoughts

The Irish startup ecosystem is evolving — and the capital landscape is too. Events like this one are a reminder that there’s no one “right” path to growth.

But what’s clear is this: founders need the right support at the right time. Sometimes that comes from a VC, sometimes from a great team — and sometimes from a fast, practical funding partner who understands your reality.

If that sounds like you, we’re here to help. Learn more about how we work at BusinessLoans.ie or get in touch today.

When the Lease Runs Out: A Client's Dilemma and the Power of Options

Every so often, a situation crosses your desk that reminds you just how nuanced business finance can be. A recent client case illustrates this perfectly — and shows the value of thinking creatively when the numbers don’t tell the full story.

This particular client runs a business from a leased unit. The lease expires in just a few months, and in the agreement there is an option to buy the premises for €300,000. A great deal on paper — the client reckons the market value is closer to €450,000. That’s €150,000 of instant equity if he can pull it off.

But there’s a catch.

The business’s accounts are currently loss-making, and it’s unclear whether he has the 30% deposit ready for a commercial mortgage. Even if he does, the affordability metrics for a commercial mortgage just don’t stack up — not with the current financials. Traditional lenders will likely say no.

We’re left with a classic SME conundrum: a strong commercial opportunity, but limited room to manoeuvre financially. So I did what I often do in these cases — I reached out to a trusted finance partner to explore whether there’s a creative structure that could work. Could alternative underwriting models apply? Could a lender take a view based on asset value or future potential?

And if not — we talked about Plan B. I mentioned to the client that, if financing isn’t viable, I have a finance contact who may be able to help him exit on favourable terms. Sometimes the win isn’t in keeping the asset, but in securing the upside.

This is where experience and partnerships make a real difference. It’s not just about saying “yes” or “no” to a loan — it’s about understanding the bigger picture, and helping the client navigate it.

Facing a tricky finance situation of your own? Call the BusinessLoans.ie team today 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.

Bridging Finance Isn’t Just for Distress — It’s for Opportunity

Unlock fast, flexible funding options with BusinessLoans.ie

When most people hear the term bridging finance, they think of urgent or distressed situations — patching a funding gap, rescuing a deal, or covering a tax bill. But today’s smart property investors and construction professionals are using bridging finance for something else entirely: opportunity.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help businesses and property professionals access the finance they need to move fast — whether it’s to grab a below-market property deal, fund a refurbishment, or scale their operations.

💡 Bridging Finance: The Opportunity Tool

Bridging loans are short-term, interest-only loans designed to help you secure a property or release equity quickly — usually for 6 to 18 months. They are increasingly being used not to plug holes, but to:

  • Acquire investment properties before someone else does

  • Renovate and refinance for long-term gain

  • Settle debts or refinance out of expensive loans

  • Unlock value tied up in assets or planning gains

Speed and certainty are the name of the game — and traditional banks just can’t move quickly enough. That’s where we come in.

🧱 Not Just for Developers — Tradespeople Can Use Property Loans Too

If you’re a builder, carpenter, plumber, electrician, or subcontractor, chances are you’ve been involved in a renovation or extension project that needed fast cash to get moving. At BusinessLoans.ie, we offer:

🔧 1. Simple Unsecured Business Loans

  • Loans from €5,000 to €500,000

  • Based on your monthly revenue — no property security required

  • Ideal for buying materials, taking on new projects, or bridging short-term cash flow gaps

  • Often approved in 24–48 hours

Great for tradesmen who want to get moving on a job without waiting for stage payments or invoices to clear.

🏘️ 2. Bridging Loans

  • Loan sizes from €250k to €5m+

  • Up to 75% Loan-to-Value (LTV), sometimes higher with additional security

  • Funds available in weeks — not months

  • Can include 100% of refurbishment costs on qualifying deals

  • Perfect for auction purchases, short-term acquisitions, or refinance and refurb deals

Whether you're flipping a house, unlocking value from a site, or completing a part-built project — we can help structure the right deal.

🏗️ 3. Development Finance

  • Funding for ground-up residential and commercial builds

  • From single-unit infill sites to multi-unit schemes

  • Staged drawdowns based on build progress

  • Support for planning gain, site acquisition, and developer exit loans

We work with specialist lenders who understand the Irish market and offer both speed and flexibility — crucial in today’s competitive environment.

🤝 Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're:

  • A tradesman ready to take on a larger contract,

  • A small developer looking to fund your next site, or

  • An investor looking for flexible funding outside of the banks...

We can help.

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

Bridging finance isn’t just for distress. It’s a tool for growth. Let’s use it that way.

What Irish SMEs Can Learn From Fintech Summit 2025: Trends, Insights & Opportunities

The Fintech Summit 2025 gathered some of Ireland’s brightest minds in financial services, with a strong focus on the future of funding, banking, payments, AI, and cybersecurity. But beyond the buzzwords and future-gazing, one clear truth stood out:

Irish SMEs need funding that’s simple, fast, and built around real business needs.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we believe fintech should be more than innovation for its own sake—it should empower business owners to act quickly and grow confidently. Here's what we took from this year’s summit—and how we're helping make that a reality.

🔍 Key Takeaways for Irish Business Owners

1. AI is Powerful, But People Still Matter

AI was everywhere at this year’s summit. From smarter underwriting to faster decisions, it’s transforming how finance works. But many speakers reminded us: technology must be grounded in trust, transparency, and responsibility.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we combine intelligent tools with real human support—so you get the clarity, confidence, and speed your business needs.

2. Accessing Finance Is Still Too Hard

Despite all the innovation, many Irish SMEs still face barriers: complex application processes, lack of guidance, and fragmented financial data. These roadblocks slow businesses down at the exact moment they need to move fast.

That’s why we make business funding as straightforward as possible. One short form gives access to multiple funding options—without the runaround.

3. Beware Staggered or “Tranched” Funding

One speaker shared a hard-earned lesson: staged funding—offered in instalments based on hitting milestones—can create serious cash flow problems. It sounds flexible, but can leave businesses short right when they need stability.

That’s why we work with lenders who offer clear, reliable, and timely funding, so you’re not left chasing the next tranche while trying to stay afloat.

Why More Irish SMEs Choose BusinessLoans.ie

✔️ Irish-based and Irish-owned
✔️ One simple form → access to Ireland’s top alternative lenders
✔️ Fast turnaround and funding for a wide range of needs
✔️ Options for working capital, stock, tax bills, equipment, expansion & more
✔️ Expert support from people who know the Irish market

Let’s Make Finance Work for You

The Fintech Summit 2025 showed just how fast the industry is evolving. But through all the change, one thing hasn’t: Irish businesses still need funding they can understand, trust, and use—without delay.

If you're ready to explore your finance options, call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Unlocking Business Growth: Government Supports Available to Irish SMEs in 2025

Running a business in Ireland has never been more dynamic, and thanks to a robust suite of government supports, SMEs across the country are well-positioned to innovate, grow, and compete globally. Whether you’re a start-up founder, an established SME owner, or scaling a high-potential company, the Irish government offers a wide range of funding, advisory, and training supports to help you succeed.

Here’s a snapshot of the most valuable supports currently available in 2025:

🚀 Start-Up Support

Enterprise Ireland’s Start-Up Funding

  • In 2024, Enterprise Ireland invested €27.6 million in 157 start-ups, including 45 women-led and 25 academic spin-outs.

  • Funding is available through High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) supports, including feasibility grants, equity investment, and mentoring.

  • Key sectors supported include AI, food and nutrition, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Grants

  • LEOs provide Start Your Own Business courses, feasibility study grants, and priming grants for businesses in their first 18 months.

  • The Business Expansion Grant (up to €150,000) is ideal for businesses aiming to scale operations and hire more staff.

🌍 Market Expansion & Exporting

Market Explorer Grant (Enterprise Ireland)

  • Supports companies exploring new markets or launching new products abroad.

  • Covers market research, travel costs, and consultancy services.

Export Compass and Advisory Clinics

  • Tailored advice to help first-time exporters identify opportunities and navigate international trade requirements.

Global Offices and Trade Missions

  • Enterprise Ireland has expanded its international presence, including a new office in Atlanta, USA, helping Irish businesses connect with overseas buyers.

♻️ Green & Digital Transformation

GreenStart and GreenPlus Grants

  • These help businesses take the first steps toward sustainability and improving environmental practices.

  • Ideal for companies looking to reduce waste, energy use, and carbon footprint.

Business Energy Upgrade Grant (NEH)

  • A rapid-approval grant for SMEs looking to upgrade premises or equipment for improved energy efficiency.

Digital Start & Digital Transition Fund

  • Designed to assist businesses in adopting AI, e-commerce, automation, and cybersecurity solutions.

🛠️ Innovation & Capital Investment

Capital Investment Initiative

  • Co-funding for capital equipment and technology upgrades aimed at improving competitiveness and productivity.

Seed and Venture Capital Scheme (2025–2029)

  • A new €250 million round has been launched to provide early-stage equity funding to Irish SMEs and scale-ups.

Innovation Vouchers

  • Available to all small businesses to collaborate with academic institutions on new product or process development.

📚 Skills & Workforce Development

Skillnet Ireland

  • Offers subsidised training and upskilling in areas such as leadership, digital marketing, finance, and sector-specific skills.

JobsPlus & Apprenticeship Supports

  • Financial incentives for employers who hire long-term unemployed individuals or participate in the national apprenticeship programme.

📲 National Enterprise Hub (NEH)

The National Enterprise Hub is a one-stop online platform listing over 180 supports for Irish businesses. It categorises options under four key stages:

  • Start Your Business

  • Keep Up and Running

  • Expand Your Business

  • Secure Your Future

This resource makes it easy for business owners to find relevant grants, training, and advice from over a dozen agencies.

📞 Need Help Navigating Supports?

If you’re unsure which support best fits your business goals, you can:

Final Thoughts

Ireland’s business support ecosystem is evolving rapidly, offering real, practical help to entrepreneurs at every stage. Don’t leave money or growth opportunities on the table—explore what’s available and take full advantage of the supports to power your business forward in 2025.

Bridging the Funding Gap: Empowering Irish Start-Ups with BusinessLoans.ie

In the dynamic landscape of Irish entrepreneurship, securing adequate funding remains a persistent hurdle. According to Scale Ireland's 2025 State of Start-ups Survey, a staggering 80% of tech founders describe attracting capital as “difficult” or “very difficult.” This challenge isn't confined to tech start-ups alone; it resonates across various sectors striving for growth and innovation.

The Funding Conundrum

While Ireland boasts a vibrant start-up ecosystem, many businesses encounter a "missing middle" in financing. Early-stage ventures often find initial seed funding, but as they scale, accessing capital between €3 million and €10 million becomes increasingly challenging. This gap hampers growth, innovation, and the ability to compete on a global stage.

AI Adoption: Opportunities and Challenges

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both opportunities and challenges for Irish businesses. Nearly 88% of start-up founders are deploying or preparing to implement AI solutions. However, the financial investment required for AI adoption can be substantial, posing another layer of complexity for businesses already grappling with funding constraints.

BusinessLoans.ie: Your Strategic Financing Partner

At BusinessLoans.ie, we understand the unique financial challenges faced by Irish businesses. Our mission is to bridge the funding gap, providing tailored financing solutions that empower businesses to thrive.

Our Offerings:

  • Flexible Business Loans: Customized loan options to suit your specific business needs.

  • Asset Financing: Unlock the value of your assets to fuel growth and innovation.

  • Alternative Lending Solutions: Access diverse funding sources beyond traditional banking channels.

Why Choose BusinessLoans.ie?

  • Speed and Efficiency: Streamlined application processes ensure quick access to funds.

  • Expert Guidance: Our team of financial experts provides personalized support throughout your funding journey.

  • Empowering Growth: We focus on enabling your business to scale, innovate, and succeed in a competitive market.

Take the Next Step

Don’t let funding challenges hinder your business potential. Partner with BusinessLoans.ie to explore financing options that align with your growth objectives. Call 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Irish SME Investment Still Below Pre-Pandemic Levels – Here's How We Can Help

A recent report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), co-authored by the Department of Finance, reveals a concerning trend for Ireland’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): investment levels remain below pre-pandemic peaks, especially in capital assets such as vehicles, equipment, and buildings.

Despite some recovery since the pandemic lows, only 60% of SMEs invested in capital assets in 2023, compared to 64% in 2019. Sectors like construction, retail, hotels, and restaurants—vital pillars of our domestic economy—are struggling to regain confidence in reinvesting, largely due to a series of external shocks including Brexit, rising energy costs, inflation, and higher interest rates.

Investment Matters – Now More Than Ever

Investment is not just about buying new equipment or upgrading premises. It’s a core driver of productivity, competitiveness, and long-term growth. Without it, businesses risk falling behind both domestically and internationally.

While median investment levels rose from €40,000 in 2021 to €50,000 in 2023, this gain doesn’t hold up when adjusted for inflation, meaning real investment power has dropped. Notably, there’s also been a significant decline in climate-related investments, which poses challenges to Ireland’s broader green transition.

What’s Holding SMEs Back?

  • Uncertainty around global markets and the economy

  • Higher interest rates

  • A moderate increase in risk aversion

  • A reduced focus on digital and sustainability-related upgrades

Yet, despite these barriers, access to finance is improving and more businesses are open to borrowing. In fact, the proportion of firms willing to borrow rose from 43% to 47% between 2021 and 2023.

How BusinessLoans.ie Can Support Your Investment Goals

At BusinessLoans.ie, we specialise in helping Irish SMEs access unsecured business loans of up to €500,000 over terms of up to 5 years. Whether you're upgrading machinery, purchasing vehicles, expanding premises, or investing in more efficient technology, we’re here to make your plans a reality.

We also help with asset finance options to spread the cost of equipment, vehicles, or other fixed capital investments—without tying up your working capital.

Why Choose BusinessLoans.ie?

  • ✅ Unsecured loans – no collateral required

  • ✅ Fast approvals – decisions often within 24-48 hours

  • ✅ Flexible terms – up to 5 years

  • ✅ Funding from €10,000 to €500,000

  • ✅ Ideal for capital expenditure and asset purchases

Ready to Invest in Your Future?

If your business is ready to grow, modernise, or gear up for the future, we’re ready to help you finance that journey. Don’t let temporary uncertainty delay permanent progress.

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

How Seasonal Businesses in Ireland Can Access Smart Finance Solutions

Running a seasonal business in Ireland—like a hotel, B&B, restaurant, or tour company—comes with unique financial challenges. In places like the West of Ireland, a bustling summer season may bring strong cash flow, but the quieter winter months can put serious strain on your finances. Traditional term loans often don’t fit this cycle, but there are flexible options available that align with your business's cash flow—like a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA).

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with seasonal businesses across Ireland to help them access the right finance, at the right time.

The Seasonal Cash Flow Challenge

Take the example of a small hotel on the Wild Atlantic Way. During the summer, occupancy is high and cash flow is strong. But come October, business slows dramatically, and fixed loan repayments can start to feel like a heavy burden. For lenders, this uneven income can make it harder to approve traditional term loans, especially when cash flow forecasts look weak in the off-season.

Why Merchant Cash Advance Works for Seasonal Businesses

A Merchant Cash Advance is designed for businesses that generate regular card sales, making it a perfect fit for many tourism and hospitality businesses.

Here’s how it works:

  • You receive a lump sum upfront (just like a loan).

  • Repayment is taken as a fixed percentage of your daily card sales—so on quiet days, you pay back less.

  • No fixed monthly repayments, which means no pressure during off-season slumps.

  • Quick approvals, often based on past months’ sales data rather than detailed business plans.

Because repayments flex with your revenue, you only pay more when you're earning more. That makes MCA an ideal option for businesses with strong summer peaks and soft winters.

Who It’s For

  • Hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses with seasonal bookings.

  • Cafés, restaurants, and bars near tourist hotspots.

  • Outdoor activity providers (surf schools, boat tours, etc.)

  • Retailers in high-footfall summer towns.

If your business earns at least €5,000–€10,000 per month in card sales during your busy period, an MCA could be available to you—even if you’re not currently trading at high volume.

Other Financing Options to Consider

While Merchant Cash Advance is one of the most flexible tools available, we also support seasonal businesses with:

  • Working Capital Loans (for marketing, hiring, or repairs before the busy season)

  • Short-Term Loans (if you just need a quick top-up to get through the winter)

  • Asset Finance (to upgrade rooms, kitchens, or vehicles before reopening)

We’ll help you find the right fit based on your business cycle and repayment ability.

Talk to the Experts in Seasonal Business Finance

At BusinessLoans.ie, we specialise in helping Irish SMEs—seasonal and year-round—access smart, fast, and fair finance.

Whether you're preparing for the next tourist rush or just trying to get through a quiet spell, we can help you smooth out the highs and lows of your business’s cash flow.

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

Record Venture Funding Shows the Power of Investing — But Debt Financing Can Help You Grow Without Giving Up Control

In the first quarter of 2025, Irish tech companies set a new record — raising a massive €588 million in venture capital funding, according to a new KPMG report.
Deals involving Tines (AI security), Fire1 (medical devices), and XOcean (ocean data services) led the way, each raising around €110-€120 million.

It’s inspiring to see Irish innovation attracting global investment on such a scale. It’s proof that capital fuels growth — helping businesses develop new products, expand into new markets, and hire the best talent.

But venture capital isn't the only way to fund your ambitions.

For most Irish SMEs, debt financing offers a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to secure the capital you need — without giving up equity, control, or decision-making power.

Why Consider Debt Financing?

While venture capital has its place, it often involves giving away a piece of your company in exchange for investment. You’ll usually have to:

  • Hand over shares

  • Accept board oversight

  • Share profits down the line

In contrast, debt financing lets you:

  • Borrow the money you need today

  • Repay it over time at an agreed rate

  • Keep 100% ownership of your business

For many entrepreneurs and business owners, maintaining control over the company they’ve built is invaluable. You decide the strategy. You keep the profits. You steer the future.

Capital is Fuel — Choose the Best Type for Your Journey

Ireland’s record venture funding this quarter shows one key lesson: money is essential for growth.
Whether you’re:

  • Expanding your operations

  • Hiring new staff

  • Investing in new equipment

  • Rolling out a major marketing campaign

  • Building new technology
    — the right funding can unlock your next level of success.

Debt financing can provide that boost without the strings attached to outside investors.

Tailored Funding for Irish Businesses

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help ambitious Irish SMEs access flexible funding solutions that match their goals.
We can help you secure finance for:

  • Working capital

  • Stock & inventory purchases

  • Equipment upgrades

  • Expansion projects

  • Green and renewable investments

  • Tech adoption initiatives

  • And much more

Whether you need €25,000 or €2 million, we work with trusted lenders to get you the best rates and terms — quickly and efficiently.

Build Your Future — On Your Terms

The next generation of Irish business success stories is already being written.
With smart, strategic funding in place, your business could be among them — growing, innovating, and thriving on your own terms.

Ready to power your next move? Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.