David Broderick
Director, Small Firms Association
Credit availability is critical in every modern economy. For small businesses, access to finance is one of the most pressing issues shaping the growth trajectory; the other is rising costs.
As the Small Firms Association (SFA) advances its 2026-2029 strategy, the Access to Finance pillar is positioned to play a pivotal role in enabling small firms invest, innovate and build resilience in an increasingly competitive environment.
Most small businesses still require additional funding
For many small enterprises, liquidity and credit availability continue to determine expansion opportunities, but also their very ability to survive unexpected shocks. Insights from the SFA Small Business Survey 2025 highlight the scale of this challenge.
Notably, 54% of small businesses reported they couldn’t trade for more than six months without additional funding, an alarming increase from the previous year’s figure of 35%. This trend underscores the financial vulnerability many firms continue to experience, despite improvements in cost pressures elsewhere in the economy.
In January, the SFA published its three-year strategy, which is aimed at placing small owners at the heart of Government policy and Ireland’s economic success story. The strategy had six key pillars of activity.
Notably, 54% of small businesses reported they couldn’t trade for more than six months without additional funding,
Supporting businesses in making better financial decisions
One of the pillars, related to access to finance, aims to address these concerns by championing a more supportive financial ecosystem for small enterprises. While financial institutions have broadened their range of credit products, many small firms still report difficulty securing affordable working capital, navigating application processes or identifying suitable funding instruments. The strategy recognises that improved financial literacy, clearer information channels and more consistent lending practices will be central to empowering small businesses to make informed financial decisions.
Through this strategy period, the SFA’s work will continue to focus on reducing barriers, advocating for tailored financial supports and ensuring that Ireland’s small firms — regardless of sector or scale — can access the funding they need to innovate, compete and thrive. By prioritising access to finance, the SFA is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and dynamic small business landscape in the years ahead.
