Irish Business Sales and Acquisitions Are on the Rise – Here’s How to Prepare

Across Ireland, more small business owners are exploring what’s next. Some are stepping back and planning for retirement. Others are looking to grow through acquisitions or attract a strategic buyer. And many are simply trying to strengthen their position for whatever opportunities lie ahead.

We’re seeing a clear shift: more Irish businesses are changing hands, merging, or expanding than in recent years. What’s behind it? A mix of ambition, succession planning, and fresh interest from overseas buyers.

If you’re thinking about growth, passing your business on, or improving your finances before a future sale, now is a good time to take action.

Why funding matters in this environment

Whether you're taking over a family business, buying out a competitor, or just preparing for your next chapter, the right finance can make all the difference. At BusinessLoans.ie, we help small business owners secure flexible funding for:

  • Management buyouts – when key team members want to take over

  • Acquisitions – to grow by buying another business

  • Succession planning – helping owners step back on their terms

  • Working capital – to strengthen the business ahead of a potential sale

In many cases, access to finance is what turns a good opportunity into a done deal. We work with a wide range of lenders across Ireland to make that happen — often faster and more flexibly than traditional routes.

Thinking about your next move?

You don’t have to be a large company to consider acquisition, growth or succession. Many small business owners are making moves this year — and finance doesn’t have to be a barrier.

If you’d like to explore what’s possible, we’re here to help. There’s no cost or obligation to get started — just a conversation about what you want to achieve and how finance might support that.

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

Helping an Irish Business Scale with Cash Flow and Asset Finance Solutions

At BusinessLoans.ie, we recently supported a growing Irish business that’s expanding rapidly and needed the right finance solutions to match its ambitions.

The business has been trading for around four years and has already become one of the market leaders in its specialist sector. With turnover reaching €1 million last year and projected growth of 30%+ this year, the company is reinvesting heavily in people, contracts, and equipment.

The Challenge: Scaling With Tight Margins

While the business was close to break-even due to reinvestment, it faced a common challenge for fast-growing firms: managing cash flow while expanding operations. On top of that, a delay in obtaining a tax clearance certificate meant that many lenders would not proceed with a traditional application.

Despite this, the business had a solid foundation — steady revenue, clear demand for its services, and a strong growth trajectory. What it needed was a lender that could assess the broader picture and offer flexible solutions.

The Solution: Flexible Loan + Asset Finance

Working closely with our network of non-bank lenders, we were able to arrange:

  • A €35,000 flexible repayment loan to support short-term cash flow, giving the business breathing room to hire technicians and invest in equipment.

  • Asset finance for a new commercial vehicle, helping the company serve more industrial contracts across the country.

These solutions were tailored to the company’s immediate needs, while also preparing it for longer-term success.

What Made This Possible?

  • Clear revenue performance and pipeline: The business had already generated €400,000 in revenue in the first half of the year.

  • Growth-focused leadership: The founder had a clear plan for where the funding would go — directly into expansion and delivery capacity.

  • Fast communication and document preparation: Despite not having a tax clearance cert initially, the client kept us updated and worked proactively with their accountant.

Need Finance to Grow?

If your business is growing but cash flow is tight, or if you're facing hurdles like delays in tax clearance or slim margins, we can help.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with lenders who understand the challenges of fast growth and offer:

  • Unsecured business loans up to €500,000

  • Asset finance for equipment and vehicles

  • Flexible repayments aligned with your cash cycle

  • Fast decisions, even with complex cases

Let’s talk about what’s possible. No upfront fees. Straightforward advice.

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

New One-Stop Hub for Irish Business Support: What SMEs Need to Know About the National Enterprise Hub

Many Irish business owners still assume government support is hard to access – too many forms, too many agencies, or only relevant for start-ups. That’s no longer the case.

The new National Enterprise Hub (NEH) has changed how Irish SMEs can access advice, funding, and supports. It brings together over 240 government-backed supports from 30+ departments and agencies into one place — www.neh.gov.ie.

As a business loan brokerage working daily with Irish SMEs, we think this is a great development — and one that complements the fast, flexible finance options we arrange through BusinessLoans.ie.

What is the National Enterprise Hub?

The National Enterprise Hub is a free, government-run service designed to save Irish business owners time and hassle. Instead of navigating multiple websites and departments, the NEH helps you find the right supports for your business based on your industry, size, location, and growth goals.

Supports include:

  • Grants and funding options

  • Mentoring and training

  • Digital transformation advice

  • Sustainability supports

  • Export and trade assistance

  • Access to Local Enterprise Offices and enterprise agencies

Even better — the NEH offers real-time help from business advisors by phone or online chat, Monday to Friday. That human element means you can talk through your needs and be matched with the most relevant support.

Why It Matters to Irish SMEs

For business owners trying to grow, hire, invest or modernise, this is a valuable tool. Many Irish companies miss out on funding because they either don’t know it exists or find the application process too complex.

The NEH helps you:

  • Quickly identify what you’re eligible for

  • Access support tailored to your stage of business

  • Avoid duplication and confusion across agencies

  • Speak directly with an advisor, not just read a webpage

If you're running your business day-to-day without a dedicated finance or admin team, this kind of practical guidance can save you time — and money.

Combine Government Support with Private Business Finance

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help businesses access unsecured loans, asset finance, bridging loans, and revenue-based finance — often within days.

We believe in a combined approach:

  • Government supports might cover part of a project (e.g. training or tech upgrades),

  • While short-term finance can bridge the funding gap or give you room to act now.

For example:

  • Use a digital grant to start a new online sales channel, and fund the rest with working capital finance.

  • Receive export advice and combine it with a business expansion loan to break into new markets.

  • Access a sustainability grant and top it up with equipment finance for new machinery.

Government support can go further when paired with the right business loan at the right time.

Where to Start

  1. Visit the National Enterprise Hub:
    Go to www.neh.gov.ie and explore what’s available.

  2. Speak with an NEH advisor:
    Get free guidance on what’s most relevant for your business goals.

  3. Talk to BusinessLoans.ie:
    If you're planning to invest in growth, but need fast access to capital — we can help you compare your finance options with no obligation.

Business support should be easier. Now it is.
With over 240 supports in one place, and a team of advisors to guide you, the National Enterprise Hub is a valuable resource for any Irish business. And if private finance can help you move faster, we’re ready to support you too.

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.

Finance for Small Construction Companies – Without the Red Tape

Construction activity in Ireland is slowing sharply. According to the latest AIB PMI report, the sector contracted at the fastest pace in 18 months in June 2025. Residential and civil engineering projects have been hit hardest, with fewer new orders, falling employment levels, and growing caution across the industry.

For small builders and contractors, this kind of uncertainty makes access to finance more important than ever. You need to stay flexible, act fast, and hold onto cash where you can. That’s where we come in.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help small construction businesses get the funding they need—without the long delays, complex paperwork, or big-developer requirements you’ll often find elsewhere.

Finance that Works When the Market Doesn't

When banks get cautious, finance can dry up—even for profitable, well-run businesses. But we work with builders and contractors across Ireland every day, helping them:

  • Buy or repair plant, vehicles and tools

  • Cover wage bills or take on new staff

  • Fund deposits for land or housing sites

  • Navigate cashflow gaps between jobs

  • Refinance or consolidate existing debt

Whether you’re finishing out a project, starting a new build, or just trying to manage through a quiet patch, we can help you find the right funding to stay on track.

Loan Options We Offer

We specialise in finance that fits the realities of running a small construction business.

Unsecured Business Loans

These don’t require collateral and can be approved quickly. They’re ideal for working capital, materials, hiring or emergencies—when speed matters.

Bridging Finance

Short-term loans to bridge the gap between outgoing costs and incoming payments. Useful if you’re waiting on planning, certifications, or a delayed client payment.

Secured Loans

For larger investments—like buying plant, vehicles, or even a yard—we arrange asset-backed funding at competitive rates, with terms that suit your project timelines.

Why Builders Are Choosing Private Finance Now

With traditional lenders tightening criteria and the state-backed HBFI focusing on larger, lower-risk schemes, private finance is playing a bigger role for small and mid-sized builders.

  • Faster decision-making

  • More flexible repayment terms

  • Options tailored to small construction firms

  • Willingness to fund regional and one-off projects

We don’t just look at last year’s numbers—we look at the full picture, including current jobs, pipeline, and where your business is headed.

Keep Building—Even Through a Slowdown

The construction slowdown won’t last forever. But if you want to be ready for the next upturn, now is the time to invest wisely, manage cashflow carefully, and make sure finance doesn’t hold you back.

We’re here to help you do exactly that—with straightforward advice and a wide range of funding solutions designed for Irish builders.

Talk to Us

If you’re running a construction business and want to explore your finance options, we’ll run through everything—quickly and clearly, with no obligation.

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

Recent deal: How We Helped an Irish Contractor Unlock Growth Finance for European Projects

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with ambitious Irish businesses across construction, contracting, engineering, and manufacturing — helping them access fast, flexible business loans to fuel growth.

One of our clients — a specialist contractor with operations across Ireland and mainland Europe — recently returned to us for additional funding. Back in late 2024, we arranged a €150,000 unsecured working capital facility to support mobilisation for a large international project.

Now, with a new contract underway and a growing pipeline of work, we’ve just refinanced and increased their funding to €250,000 — giving them the cashflow needed to keep moving without disruption.

Why Working Capital Matters for Irish SMEs

Many Irish businesses face a common challenge: upfront project costs and delayed payments.

Whether you’re a:

  • Contractor bidding on public or private sector tenders

  • Engineering or manufacturing firm supplying equipment or services

  • Construction business managing multiple jobs across locations

  • Exporter handling logistics, staffing, and materials abroad

… the gap between doing the work and getting paid can stretch your cashflow — especially when scaling up.

That’s where flexible business finance makes the difference.

What We Delivered

✅ Refinance and boost of original loan from €150K to €250K
✅ Fast turnaround based on company performance — not just credit history
✅ Funding tailored to international project requirements
✅ No delays, no rigid repayment terms, no personal guarantees required (in this case)

This is what growth finance is meant to do: bridge the funding gap so Irish SMEs can win bigger contracts, manage costs, and keep building.

Need Finance to Fund Your Next Project?

If you're expanding operations, hiring staff, investing in equipment, or working on longer-term contracts, BusinessLoans.ie can help you access:

  • Unsecured business loans

  • Working capital finance

  • Project mobilisation loans

  • Bridging loans for contract funding

  • Merchant cash advances for seasonal businesses

We fund businesses across Ireland from €10,000 to €500,000, with a focus on fast access, flexible terms, and real-world understanding of how business works.

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

Unlocking Growth: How Recurring Revenue Finance Can Bridge the Gap for Irish Businesses

For many scaling businesses in Ireland, revenue growth looks strong on paper. The pipeline is healthy. Monthly recurring income is rising. But here’s the catch — the money isn’t always in the bank.

There’s a gap between revenue recognition and revenue realisation, and it’s one of the most overlooked barriers to business growth. It doesn’t matter how promising the top line looks if your cashflow is stuck in unpaid invoices or long billing cycles.

This is the real funding gap—and it’s a quiet killer of momentum.

What Is Recurring Revenue Finance?

Recurring revenue finance, sometimes called Revenue-Based Financing (RBF), is a non-dilutive funding model that allows businesses to access upfront capital based on future or contracted revenue streams. It's especially powerful for companies with subscription-based, contracted, or highly predictable income—think SaaS providers, B2B service firms, agencies, and membership-based businesses.

Unlike traditional loans, which often require rigid repayment schedules, recurring revenue finance is:

✅ Fast — Funding can be approved and drawn down in as little as 24–48 hours
✅ Flexible — Repayments adjust in line with revenue inflows
✅ Non-dilutive — No equity is given away
✅ Aligned — It scales with your business performance

Why It Matters: The Working Capital Gap

Many Irish businesses hit a cashflow bottleneck just when they’re ready to grow.

You're hiring ahead of demand. You're investing in product development. You’re expanding into new markets. But the cash generated from those efforts lags behind — often by 30, 60 or even 90 days.

This gap can:

  • Delay hiring or project delivery

  • Undermine your ability to invest in marketing or operations

  • Push founders toward equity funding too soon

  • Force reliance on high-cost, inflexible debt

With recurring revenue finance, you can convert expected income into immediate capital—fueling growth without waiting for payment or giving up control.

Who Can Benefit?

Recurring revenue finance is ideal for Irish businesses with strong customer retention and predictable income. That includes:

  • SaaS companies with contracted MRR or ARR

  • Digital agencies with retainer clients

  • Managed IT services with long-term SLAs

  • E-commerce subscriptions and membership platforms

  • Professional services firms with ongoing client billing

  • Franchises and multi-site operations with reliable cashflow

If your business model is built on repeatable, consistent revenue—this funding is made for you.

Smart Capital for Smart Growth

Growth creates its own pressures. Longer sales cycles, bigger teams, upfront costs—it all requires cash. The traditional approach of going to the bank, or worse, giving away equity just to cover working capital, can leave business owners over-leveraged or under-compensated.

Recurring revenue finance gives you breathing room. It lets your revenue work harder and faster, giving you the capital to grow today—not six months from now.

Final Word: Use Capital as a Catalyst, Not a Crutch

Every scaling business eventually reaches a point where momentum depends on liquidity. The smartest founders don’t just raise money—they use the right kind of capital at the right time.

If your Irish business is sitting on a strong recurring revenue model but struggling to fund growth initiatives, recurring revenue finance could be the solution. It’s fast, flexible, and tailored to the way modern businesses operate.

Ready to explore your options?

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help ambitious founders unlock smarter, faster funding solutions—without dilution, delay, or drama. Whether you’re scaling a SaaS startup or expanding a service-based business, we can help you access recurring revenue finance that aligns with your growth.

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

The Irony of Business Lending (And What to Do Instead)

“A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it.”
– Bob Hope

If you’ve run a business in Ireland for any length of time, chances are you’ve come up against this irony yourself.

You finally decide it’s time to invest in stock, equipment, hiring, or even just ease cash flow — and what does the bank say?

“Come back when you have 2 years of perfect accounts, positive net profits, and six months of flawless bank statements.”

It’s frustrating, especially when you know your business has potential — just not the paperwork to match.

Why Traditional Banks Often Say No

Banks aren’t designed for speed or flexibility. Their rules are shaped by regulation, risk committees, and standardised scorecards. So even healthy businesses can be turned away for reasons like:

  • Late filing or unaudited accounts

  • A dip in profits (even if temporary)

  • Being a relatively new business

  • Needing “too little” or “too much”

  • Directors with some Central Credit Register history

  • Seeking funds on short notice

In short, banks often lend to those who don’t urgently need the money.

But most real businesses operate in the opposite reality — opportunities (and cash flow issues) appear fast. You either move on them or miss them.

What to Do Instead

That’s where non-bank lending comes in.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we connect Irish SMEs with alternative lenders who look at your business differently. They care about:

✅ What you’re doing now
✅ What your turnover looks like
✅ Whether your cash flow supports a loan
✅ Where the opportunity lies

They’re faster, more flexible, and open to businesses that don’t tick every box.

We regularly help clients who:

  • Were turned down by their bank

  • Needed funding within days, not weeks

  • Had gaps in accounts or imperfect credit

  • Wanted smaller or shorter-term loans

  • Didn’t want to give a personal guarantee

And often, they’re surprised how much they can qualify for — and how easy the process is.

The Bottom Line

You shouldn’t have to prove you don’t need money to get approved. That’s not how real business works.

If you’re an Irish business owner trying to grow, stay ahead of costs, or just manage the ups and downs — don’t wait until the paperwork is “perfect.”

Explore your options now (with no obligation):
👉 Check funding availability

We’ll match you with the right lender, explain your options clearly, and help you move fast — without the usual runaround.

Final Thought

Business owners don’t need more hoops to jump through. They need fast answers, flexible funding, and a bit of fairness. That’s what we’re here to offer.

Got a question?
We’re happy to chat — even if you’re just exploring your options. Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55.

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.