Who we help: finance for Irish limited companies
Business-purpose finance for Irish limited companies of all sizes, in every county.
Who can and cannot apply
Welcome Finance arranges business-purpose finance for limited companies registered in Ireland: LTD, DAC, PLC and ULC companies, in every sector and county. We’re sorry that we can’t help sole traders, partnerships, consumers or charities. Start-ups registered as limited companies in Ireland can apply. Most lenders look for some trading history, so options may be fewer for a new company. We do not arrange property finance, such as commercial mortgages, bridging loans or development finance, or any loan secured on a home someone lives in. If your business is just starting out, our guide to start-up business loans in Ireland points you to the Local Enterprise Office, Microfinance Ireland and other help.
Every lender sets its own criteria. Our guide to business loan requirements in Ireland explains what lenders usually look for, so you know where your company stands before it applies.
Limited company finance: company types we work with
- Private companies limited by shares (LTD)
- Designated activity companies (DAC)
- Public limited companies (PLC)
- Unlimited companies (ULC)
Sectors
We work with companies in agri-food, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, haulage and logistics, retail, wholesale, technology, healthcare, nursing homes, the motor trade, professional services and recruitment.
What lenders look for
Every lender sets its own eligibility criteria for a business loan. Most look for a trading history, often 12 to 24 months, accounts filed with the CRO, steady income through a business bank account and up-to-date tax affairs. Some products, such as revenue-based finance, can suit younger companies with strong sales data. See our guide to business loan requirements in Ireland for the detail.
Who we help: FAQs
Which companies can apply through Welcome Finance?
Companies registered in Ireland with the Companies Registration Office (CRO): private companies limited by shares (LTD), designated activity companies (DAC), public limited companies (PLC) and unlimited companies (ULC). The finance must be for business purposes. Each lender then applies its own criteria on trading history, turnover and affordability.
Can a start-up apply?
Yes. Start-ups registered as limited companies in Ireland can apply, where a lender's criteria allow. Most lenders look for some trading history, so options may be fewer for a new company. Your Local Enterprise Office, Microfinance Ireland, Enterprise Ireland or your own bank are other places to look. Microfinance Ireland lends to businesses with fewer than 10 staff, including new ones.
Can sole traders or partnerships apply?
No. Sole traders and partnerships cannot apply through Welcome Finance; we only arrange finance for limited companies registered in Ireland. If you trade as a sole trader or partnership, your Local Enterprise Office, Microfinance Ireland, Enterprise Ireland or your own bank can help. Microfinance Ireland, for example, lends to small businesses of any legal form with fewer than 10 staff.
How long does my company need to have been trading?
Each lender sets its own minimum, and most want to see a trading history, often 12 to 24 months, with accounts filed at the CRO and steady income through a business bank account. Some products, such as merchant cash advances, may look at as little as 6 months of card takings. Start-ups registered as limited companies can still apply, although options may be fewer. We tell you honestly what is realistic.
Do you work with companies outside Dublin?
Yes. We help limited companies in all 26 counties by phone, email and online. You do not need to visit an office: you can apply, upload documents and track progress through your dashboard at app.welcomefinance.ie, with a named contact from our team throughout.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount?
It depends on the lender and the product. Some lenders on our panel start from a few thousand euro, while others set higher minimums or base the maximum on your turnover or card takings. Tell us how much your company needs and we will tell you honestly whether our panel can help.
Do you arrange mortgages, property or personal finance?
No. We do not arrange home loans, personal loans or consumer credit, and we do not arrange property finance for companies, such as commercial mortgages, bridging loans or development finance. We arrange other business-purpose finance for Irish limited companies only. For a home loan or personal loan, speak to a lender or a broker authorised by the Central Bank or the CCPC.
Can charities or companies limited by guarantee apply?
No. Charities and companies limited by guarantee (CLGs) cannot apply through Welcome Finance at present. Charities and community organisations may find support through Social Finance Foundation lenders, their Local Enterprise Office or their own bank. We only work with LTD, DAC, PLC and ULC companies borrowing for business purposes.
How we work
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