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.

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.