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Creches & childcare · Ireland
Creche & childcare
business loans.
Demand for childcare places is strong, but expanding a creche means spending on fit-out, equipment and staff before the extra fees arrive. We help Irish creches and childcare providers compare fit-out and expansion loans, working capital and equipment finance through specialist lenders.
Fit-out & expansion loans
Fund a new room, an extension or a full premises fit-out, and repay while the extra places fill up.
- Unsecured term loans from €5,000 to €500,000
- From 12 months trading with one year’s accounts
- Annual turnover of €100,000 or more and a net profit
- No recent missed payments on bank statements
- Fit-out works, furniture, play equipment and outdoor areas can all be part of the plan
Working capital between payments
Keep wages, rent and supplies covered while you wait for fees and scheme payments to land.
- Term loans with fixed monthly repayments
- Bridge the gap between paying staff and receiving parent fees or government scheme funding
- Cover quiet periods and waiting lists turning into enrolled places
- Limited company, Sole trader, Partnership accounts can all work
Equipment & premises finance
Spread the cost of the equipment and vehicles the setting needs, rather than paying upfront.
- Hire purchase or leasing for suitable new or used assets
- Play equipment, kitchen and catering equipment, and minibuses
- A supplier quote helps us compare the options
- In some cases, loans secured on equipment you already own can work — assessed case by case
Finance is subject to lender assessment. Unsecured term loans are not registered against property or business assets, but some lenders ask directors for a personal guarantee. Equipment-secured loans are assessed case by case.
Why creches and childcare providers come to us
Full waiting lists, upfront costs
Childcare is a business where demand often outstrips capacity — but meeting that demand costs money first. Opening a new room or extending the premises means builders, furniture, play equipment and compliance work before a single extra fee is collected. Day to day, wages and rent go out on a fixed schedule while parent fees and scheme payments arrive on theirs.
Fit-out and expansion loans fund the works with fixed monthly repayments, while a working capital facility smooths the gap between costs and income. Equipment finance spreads the cost of play equipment, catering equipment and minibuses over their working life.
Expanding into a new premises? Our unsecured business loans page covers term-loan options, and our asset finance page explains how equipment finance works.
Guides for your industry
21 April 2026
Working Capital Finance as Costs Rise for Irish SMEs
How Irish SMEs can manage rising costs and cash-flow gaps: compare working capital finance, understand interest-rate risk and check repayments before borrowing.
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16 October 2026
How to Secure Equipment Finance in Ireland: A Guide
Table of Contents How to Secure Equipment Finance in Ireland: Step-by-Step What You'll Need Before You Apply Types of Equipment Finance Available Equipment Finance Application Requirements Documents Lenders Typically Ask
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8 November 2026
How Quickly Can SMEs Borrow Money in Ireland?
A supplier deadline, a replacement vehicle or cash tied up in invoices: find out what speeds up Irish SME finance, what to prepare and how to choose funding that fits.
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Common questions
Can I borrow to fit out or expand my creche?
Yes — this is one of the most common reasons childcare providers come to us. A term loan can fund building works, furniture, play equipment and outdoor areas, with fixed monthly repayments while the new places fill up.
Can I get working capital while waiting for fees or scheme payments?
Yes — a working capital facility or term loan can keep wages, rent and supplies covered while you wait for parent fees or government scheme payments to land, so a full waiting list doesn't strain cash flow.
What do lenders look for?
For unsecured term loans, lenders typically want at least 12 months trading with one year's accounts, turnover of €100,000 or more, a net profit and clean recent bank statements. Limited company, Sole trader, Partnership accounts can all work.
Free to you. Lenders pay us a commission when your loan completes. How we get paid