What We Do
We provide small business loans through the Government’s Microenterprise Loan Fund.
A Micro Enterprise
It is simply a small business (including a self-employed person) with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than €2 million. At Microfinance Ireland, we help these businesses by providing business loans of €2,000 to €50,000 for commercially viable proposals. Sole Traders, Partnerships & Limited Companies are all eligible to apply.
Businesses Struggling to Secure Finance
We can consider applications from businesses that may have been declined a loan from their Bank. We look at each application and base our decision on the viability of the business and your ability to repay the loan. We work closely with all our partners, including Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), the Irish Local Development Network, as well as all the major Banks to provide viable businesses with the support they need.
Partnering with Local Enterprise Offices
The LEOs can help you to prepare the documents you need to apply for a loan from us. You also get a 1% reduction in the interest rate when you submit your application through them, so it is worth talking to them if you need some help with your application.
Additional Funding from Microfinance Ireland
If you have already received loan funding (a grant, Bank loan, etc.) but require additional funding to meet a funding shortfall, we can also consider an application for co-funding provided you do not exceed the maximum loan threshold of €50,000 from Microfinance Ireland*.
Access to Free Mentoring
Once your loan is approved, we can also provide you with mentoring support from an experienced business mentor on the LEO Mentor Panel. Mentoring is a vital extra support tool to help our customers establish and grow their business in the longer term. The mentoring service is free, provided at no additional cost for you.
*Loans are provided and underwritten by Microfinance Ireland and are repayable according to the terms and conditions laid out by Microfinance Ireland.
Get our Information Pack
To get started, download our information pack where you will get an overview of the loan application process.
Join a webinar
We run monthly webinars to help you through the application process. Pick a date and time that suits you, sign up, and we will email you with the details.
Apply for a Loan here
Register your details with us and we will email you the Application Guidelines together with the documents for your business loan application.
What our customers say about us?
"It was just so simple and straightforward to do, you were accepted for what you were"
"Your support was a heavenly hand."
"Without the support I received from Microfinance I would not have been able to start my business , I am very grateful for the opportunity and support I have received from Microfinance Ireland"
"I would absolutely recommend applying for a Microfinance Ireland loan. I felt that I was listened to and really supported as a small business owner. Applying for a loan is a big step but MFI made the application process simple but also offered an enormous amount of support from real people, not a computer!"
"I’d recommend Microfinance Ireland because they make funding accessible for small businesses and provide clear, supportive guidance throughout the process."
"As a small business, getting loan approval can be a tricky minefield to navigate. Microfinance made it easy to apply and gave me great support in getting the loan application over the line."
"Helpful, understanding, realistic and very much on our side."
"Amazing support service from start to finish"
"I’ve had a great deal of help from MicroFinance Ireland over the years. I really appreciate it. It has helped me so much!"
"I would highly recommend and encourage anyone starting a new business, Microfinance Ireland is so helpful, it’s not just a loan but help and great advice"
"Microfinance Ireland is a lifeline"
"Because you showed great understanding of my personal circumstances and didn't hold it against me, I would absolutely recommend Microfinance Ireland 100%."
"No time wasting. I was told exactly what I would need to accomplish what I was looking for . Very well guided."
"Compassionate and understanding, Believed in our business concept."
"Microfinance were fantastic to deal with. They were helpful, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive. The process was simple and user friendly, and it’s clear they want to see you succeed. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to raise capital for their business."
"Microfinance Ireland is a great option for small businesses needing quick finance. The process is relatively easy and you get to discuss your goals and needs with real people who understand small business needs. I've been fortunate to have had their support over the last 10 years."
" I would recommend to others as I felt valued, the process was friendly, and personable"
"I would recommend Microfinance Ireland as you get help in so many ways , to understand business and improve your skills in business, also help you with a loan to get you off the ground."
"Microfinance Ireland are accessible, helpful, friendly and highly-efficient. Response and turn around times are swift."
"We are very thankful to all the support Microfinance Ireland had offers to us we would not be open if wasn't for the support we received."
Loans Approved
0
Jobs Supported
0
Value of Loans Approved
0
Start Up Loan
Supports the set-up and early stage phase of a new business up to 18 months.
Customer Stories
The customer stories will give you a good idea of the huge variety of small businesses that we support on an ongoing basis. We hope they will also inspire you to succeed.
