Ireland has emerged as a dynamic hub for start-ups with global growth potential

There are now many alternative sources of funding available and SMEs should be prepared to avail of them

Funding will be made available to businesses at a variable interest rate of 4.5 per cent

Fund provides specialist contract hire facilities with terms of 3 to 4 years

Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland offers loans up to 2 per cent cheaper than current market rates

The SBCI is hoping to kick-start lending to SME sector via cheap loans

Study finds companies waiting up to eight weeks to drawdown loans

State-backed bank will channel €400m into sector via AIB and BoI

Government completes early repayment of IMF loans and announces new heads for NTMA and Strategic Banking Corporation

Delegates at SFA conference told that equity participation essential for small firms

Loans will be offered over periods of longer than 10 years