Finance for Small Construction Companies – Without the Red Tape

If you run a small construction company in Ireland, you’ve probably noticed how hard it can be to get the funding you need—especially when you're not building 100 houses or working with a local authority.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we specialise in helping builders like you access fast, flexible finance—without long delays, complicated paperwork, or rigid bank criteria.

Not a Big Developer? That’s OK.

A recent government review of House Building Finance Ireland (HBFI) highlighted that the agency should focus on smaller developers and regional projects, rather than competing with private lenders on large-scale schemes.

That creates more room for businesses like yours to work with trusted, private finance partners—like us.

We work with small construction firms and contractors all over Ireland to help them:

• Buy machinery, tools or vehicles

• Bridge cashflow gaps between projects

• Fund deposits for land or new builds

• Take on bigger jobs with confidence

• Refinance or consolidate existing loans

Whether you're building new homes, converting properties, or just need working capital to move forward, we’ll help you find the right finance to keep your business growing.

What We Offer for Construction Businesses

We provide a range of loan options tailored to construction firms and small developers.

Unsecured Business Loans

No property or equipment needed as security. These are ideal for general working capital, hiring, materials, and other operational needs. Terms are flexible and decisions can be made quickly.

Bridging Loans

Short-term finance for time-sensitive needs—like securing a site before planning comes through, or accessing cash while waiting for a staged payment. Also useful for one-off property deals or when you need to act fast.

Secured Loans

If you’re buying equipment, vehicles, or land, secured loans offer lower rates and higher limits. We work with lenders who understand the sector and can move quickly on deals that make sense.

Who We Help

We mostly work with:

• Builders working on small-to-medium residential projects

• Contractors doing refurbishments, extensions, or conversions

• Developers working in regional towns or rural areas

• Business owners who need finance but don’t tick all the bank’s boxes

Our clients are often in the same position: good opportunities, strong experience, and reliable income—but struggling to access the funding they need on the timeline that suits the job.

Build Without the Bottlenecks

Even though the Irish lending market has matured, many construction SMEs still find it difficult to access practical, timely finance. That’s where we step in.

We’re not a bank. We’re here to help you navigate the different funding options—unsecured, secured or bridging—so you can make smart decisions and keep your projects moving.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to see how much funding you could access, we’d be happy to review some options for you—no obligation, no jargon.

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.

Why Irish Businesses Are Delaying Investment – and How You Can Stay Ahead

The Central Bank of Ireland’s latest Financial Stability Review paints a clear picture: Irish companies are holding back on new investments as global uncertainty rises. Tariff tensions between the US and its trading partners, combined with volatility in financial markets, have left many businesses in “wait-and-see” mode.

But while some companies are sitting on their hands, others are quietly positioning for growth — and access to fast, flexible finance is helping them do it.

What’s Going On?

According to Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf, “industry engagement points to cautiousness amongst companies, at least for now, in terms of new investments.” There’s evidence that uncertainty — particularly around US tariffs — has already softened consumer sentiment and prompted Irish firms to delay decisions.

Add to that:

• Increased risk of borrowing cost rises, with 40% of Irish mortgages still on variable rates.

• Non-bank real estate lenders under pressure from global financial markets.

• Slower growth forecasts for key trading partners like the US.

It’s no surprise some businesses are playing defence.

But Not Everyone Can Afford to Wait

Despite the nervous headlines, the Central Bank also notes that Irish businesses have built up financial resilience over the past decade. Many have strong balance sheets and untapped capacity for growth — if they can get the right funding.

And that’s where opportunity lies.

The Opportunity in Uncertainty

At BusinessLoans.ie, we’re seeing increased interest from businesses looking to:

• Access working capital to protect cash flow and stock up ahead of supply chain shifts.

• Invest in productivity (new equipment, software, automation) while competitors hold back.

• Refinance expensive debt, especially with market rates expected to rise.

• Secure bridging finance for property or development projects where banks are slowing down.

These businesses aren’t gambling — they’re hedging against uncertainty by staying liquid, flexible, and prepared.

How BusinessLoans.ie Can Help

We work with a wide panel of non-bank lenders, including some of the fastest, most flexible funding partners in Ireland. Whether you’re a retail business preparing for a tough winter, a manufacturer in the MNE supply chain, or a property developer hit by capital pullback, we can help you move forward — without the red tape.

✅ Unsecured business loans up to €500,000
✅ Asset finance for machinery, vehicles, and tech
✅ Bridging and development finance, even for non-bankable deals
✅ Working capital solutions to support day-to-day resilience

Final Word: The Cost of Standing Still

History shows that the businesses that thrive during uncertainty are those that invest wisely while others freeze. With the right finance partner, you can stay one step ahead — and be ready when the market turns.

💬 Ready to talk? Reach out today to explore your options with a trusted Irish broker who understands the market. Call 01 55 636 55.

From Pressure to Potential: How We Helped a Local Meat Wholesaler Regain Control

I took a call recently from a meat wholesaler who had been through a tough spell.

Some of his hospitality clients had closed down, leaving him with bad debts and accounts that were tight on profit. Banks weren’t interested in helping.

But the core business was solid — some funds tied up in stock, more owed by debtors, and new opportunities to buy discounted stock if he could move quickly.

Invoice finance didn’t suit him. He shared past frustrations — not just his own, but also his customers' — with how invoice finance had worked (or hadn’t) in real-world conditions.

We listened.

We organised a flexible repayment loan that works in sync with his cash flow. Open banking helps automate repayment pacing. The loan will be cleared over 12 months, and he has the option to top up once it's halfway paid.

Now he’s back to focusing on quality products — not cash flow stress.

This is exactly why we built BusinessLoans.ie — to back real Irish businesses run by good people, even when the numbers aren’t perfect on paper.

And it’s always great to a 5 star Google review like this come in after a deal closes:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Such an easy process, with Rupert help always at the end of the phone if I had any questions. Would highly recommend using Rupert.”

If your business is in the food, trade, or hospitality supply chain and needs some breathing room, call us on 01 55 636 55 or APPLY HERE.

Green Finance for Irish SMEs: How Sustainable Business Choices Can Save You Money and Boost Growth

Every year on June 5th, the world celebrates World Environment Day—a global movement that encourages environmental awareness and positive action. But for Irish businesses, going green isn’t just about doing good—it’s about doing smart business.

Whether you're a small retailer, manufacturer, hospitality provider, or logistics operator, sustainability is fast becoming a competitive advantage. And with growing access to green finance, it's now easier than ever to invest in eco-friendly upgrades that benefit both your bottom line and the planet.

What Is Green Finance?

Green finance refers to funding that supports environmentally sustainable projects. This can include:

• Renewable energy installations (e.g., solar panels, wind turbines)

• Energy efficiency upgrades (e.g., LED lighting, insulation, heat pumps)

• Electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure

• Green building retrofits and sustainable construction

• Waste reduction and recycling initiatives

At BusinessLoans.ie, we help Irish SMEs access flexible business loans that can be used for sustainable improvements—without long delays or red tape.

Why Should Irish Businesses Go Green?

💰 1. Cut Operating Costs

Investing in energy efficiency or renewables can dramatically reduce electricity, fuel, and heating bills—often paying for themselves within a few years.

🌟 2. Improve Your Brand Reputation

Customers and clients are more environmentally aware than ever. A visible commitment to sustainability builds goodwill and strengthens your brand’s reputation.

📈 3. Future-Proof Your Business

Governments and supply chains are moving toward stricter environmental regulations and sustainability reporting. Early adoption puts you ahead of the curve.

🔋 4. Unlock Grants and Tax Incentives

Many green projects qualify for government supports, SEAI grants, or accelerated capital allowances. Finance can bridge the gap between application and payout.

🤝 5. Attract New Opportunities

Being seen as a responsible, forward-thinking business can open doors to new contracts, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

How Green Business Loans Work

At BusinessLoans.ie, we work with a range of alternative lenders and specialist green funding providers. Here's what you can expect:

• Loans from €10,000 to €500,000+

• Terms from 6 months to 5 years

• Suitable for companies investing in renewables, upgrades, or green equipment

• Fast decisions with minimal paperwork

• Options available for companies with limited trading history or imperfect credit

We can even combine green finance with broader business funding needs—so you can upgrade, expand, and go green at the same time.

Green Project Ideas for Irish SMEs

Looking for inspiration? Here are just a few examples of how SMEs are using green finance:

• Retailers installing solar panels to cut lighting and heating costs

• Logistics companies switching to electric vans and installing charging stations

• Restaurants and cafés investing in energy-efficient kitchens and composting systems

• Manufacturers upgrading to low-emission equipment and improving insulation

• Offices retrofitting windows and using smart thermostats to cut heating bills

Every business is different—but almost every business can benefit from sustainability.

Final Thoughts: Green Finance Is Good Business

World Environment Day is a reminder that we all have a part to play in protecting the planet. But for Irish SMEs, going green isn't just a moral choice—it’s a smart commercial strategy.

At BusinessLoans.ie, we’re here to help you access the funding you need to take the next step—whether it’s cutting energy use, upgrading your premises, or reducing your carbon footprint.

📞 Call the BusinessLoans.ie team on 01 55 636 55 to about green finance options for your business; or APPLY HERE.

💡 Let’s make sustainability part of your growth story.

Frank Talk from Founders – Candid Lessons for Irish Business Owners from Ireland’s Top Entrepreneurs

This week, I had the pleasure of attending Frank Talk from Founders at AIB Headquarters, hosted by Scale Ireland. It featured four seasoned founders who didn’t sugar-coat the realities of scaling, fundraising, hiring, and leading companies in the Irish and global tech space.

Whether you're running a tech startup or managing an SME in a traditional sector, their lessons hit home for any ambitious business owner.

🔍 Here are four standout insights from the event:

🚀 1. Peter Coppinger – CEO @ Topper Coding | Founder of Teamwork.com & Success.co

Peter lasted just 3 weeks into “retirement” before launching his next startup. A born founder, he stressed two points:

• Do proper due diligence on your executive team — it matters more than you think.

• Bootstrapping worked for them for years, but eventually, scaling globally required venture capital.

Insight for SMEs:
Bootstrap while you can — but be ready to bring in funding when the opportunity to scale is bigger than your bank balance.

🚀 2. Leo Mac Canna – Co-Founder & CEO, Ocuco Limited

Leo has been CEO of Ocuco for over 30 years, growing it to nearly 400 staff. His growth strategy? Bold M&A moves, driven by instinct — even when his financial advisors urged caution.

Insight:
Don’t ignore your instincts. Conservative advice has its place, but real growth often requires bold decisions, especially when you see long-term potential.

🚀 3. Emma Meehan – Founder & CEO, KinetikIQ

Emma offered one of the most candid takes on fundraising:
From pitching to 40 angel investors to securing backing from an Austrian bank and Slovenian VC, it was a time-intensive, challenging process — especially as a female founder.

She also spoke about Ireland’s incredible overseas talent pool — many of whom came here for education and stayed — and the hard-earned leadership lesson: hire fast, fire faster.

Insight:
Don’t hesitate when you know someone isn’t the right fit. Delaying tough people decisions can cost you time, morale, and momentum.

🚀 4. Julie Garland – Founder & CEO, Avtrain

Julie showed the power of the pivot. Her company evolved from drone pilot training into certification and consultancy — a move that aligned better with market needs.

She credited Enterprise Ireland for supporting their funding strategy, cap table structure, and partner selection. Outsourcing software development was also key to scaling quickly and affordably.

Insight:
Be open to evolving your business model — and lean on the support systems available in Ireland, from EI to local partnerships.

🔚 Final Word

This wasn’t your usual pitch-fest or polished panel. It was a genuine conversation with founders who’ve been through the highs, lows, and hard calls.

Irish business owners — whether you're tech or trades — can learn a lot from the grit, strategy, and adaptability on display here.

Need funding to take your next big step?
Talk to us at BusinessLoans.ie — we’ll help you find the right solution, fast.