Business finance by industry in Ireland

Agri-food, construction, haulage and logistics, hospitality, manufacturing, the motor trade, nursing homes, pharmacy and healthcare, professional services, recruitment, retail, technology and software, and wholesale and distribution. Each page explains the cash flow pressures in that sector, the supports available and how lenders typically assess it.

Lenders price risk by sector. Seasonal trade, long payment terms, retentions in construction or card-based takings in hospitality all change which finance fits and how lenders assess affordability. Some lenders avoid certain sectors altogether. Knowing what lenders look for in your industry helps you prepare a stronger application.

Possibly. The industry pages cover the sectors we hear from most, but the lenders on our panel consider most trading limited companies. Tell us what your company does and what it needs, and we’ll tell you honestly whether our panel can help, or where to apply instead.

Often, yes. Each industry page lists relevant supports, such as Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Office programmes, SEAI energy grants and SBCI schemes, with links to the official source. Eligibility for state supports is decided by the body running each scheme, not by Welcome Finance.

Not necessarily. Cost depends mainly on your company’s trading record, the product, security and the lender. Sectors lenders see as higher risk can face higher rates or tighter criteria. Compare the total amount repayable on any offer, not just the headline rate.