Guiding Your Business to the Right Funding
What We Do
End-To-End Funding Management
We manage your entire funding journey — from strategy to approval — saving you time and stress.
Grant Application Support
Navigating the complexity of grant applications to maximise your success
Loan Application Advisory
Guiding you through the loan application process to help secure your funding needs
About Us
At NextStep Business Solutions, we believe every business should have access to the right funding — without getting lost in red tape, forms, or financial jargon.
Founded by Robert Meehan, a former banking advisor with over 20 years of experience at Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, and PTSB, NextStep works with business owners to turn funding ambitions into approvals. Whether you’re preparing your first loan or managing complex multi-bank and grant applications, we tailor our approach to match your needs.
Our services range from Funding Readiness Reviews — identifying what’s missing before you apply — to Grant Application Support and Loan Application Advisory, ensuring every proposal is credible, well-structured, and aligned with what funders and agencies expect. For clients who prefer a fully managed approach, our End-to-End Funding Management service takes care of the entire process on your behalf — from documentation and engagement to negotiation and follow-up.
We work across all funding routes: traditional banks, non-bank lenders, SBCI-backed schemes, and government grants such as those offered through LEOs, Enterprise Ireland, InterTradeIreland, and SEAI. Our aim is always the same — to secure the right funding mix that helps your business move forward, faster.
Behind every funding application is a business owner juggling a hundred other priorities. At NextStep, we make sure funding isn’t one of them. You stay focused on running your business — we handle the paperwork, the calls, the meetings, and the process..
Our Process
Take the first step by reaching out to us via phone or email. We start every relationship with a simple, no-pressure conversation — to understand your business and ensure we’re the right fit. Trust is at the heart of what we do.
1. Get in Touch
2. Understanding Your Business
We gather key details about your business — from your current financials to your funding goals. We’ll also discuss your past experiences with grants or loans to get a full picture of where things stand.
3. Identifying Needs & Opportunities
Together, we’ll clarify your funding needs and explore what support might be available to you. Whether it’s a grant, loan, or support scheme, we assess what options make sense based on your goals.
4. Presenting Your Funding Plan
We’ll provide tailored recommendations and a clear funding strategy — explaining the why behind each step. You’ll receive honest, practical advice that helps you make informed decisions with confidence.
5. Moving Forward
If you’re happy to proceed, we help you put the plan into action. This could involve preparing a grant application, drafting financial projections, or working with you on a business plan for lenders.
6. Follow-Up & Support
We don’t just walk away. We check in with you regularly. Our aim is to stay involved and support you over the long term — not just for a one-off project. This could involve preparing a grant application, drafting financial projections, or working with you on a business plan for lenders.
FAQs
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We help small businesses apply for funding. That includes grants, loans, and other supports. We guide you through the process, make sure your paperwork is right, and help you feel confident applying.
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Mostly small businesses and sole traders. Whether you're just getting started or planning to grow, we work with businesses who need help applying for funding or getting their plans in order.
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Grants, loans, and business support schemes. This includes things like LEO, Enterprise Ireland and SEAI grants, Microfinance Ireland loans, and bank loans. We can help figure out what you’re eligible for.
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Yes. We can write a full business plan from scratch, or help you improve what you already have — especially if you're using it to apply for funding.
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That’s what we help you figure out. We do a funding readiness review to see if your business is in a good place to apply — and if not, we’ll guide you on what to fix.
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It depends on the service. We’ll give you a clear quote after an initial chat, with no pressure to go ahead. Some services are once-off; others may involve a few sessions.
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Sometimes, yes. If it helps, we can liaise with funders on your behalf. But we always keep you informed and involved — it’s your business and your decision.
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Yes. We’ll look at your previous application, explain why it might have been rejected, and help you prepare a stronger case to reapply — if that’s the right step.
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No — we’re not a lender. We don’t lend money ourselves. Instead, we help you apply for funding from banks, Microfinance Ireland, LEO, or Enterprise Ireland.
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Just get in touch. A quick phone call or email is all it takes to get started. We’ll talk about your business, what you’re hoping to do, and how we can help.
Barry, TruScan Ltd.
“We worked with NextStep Business Solutions in early 2025 to apply for a LEO grant, and the support we received was second to none. From the very first conversation, they understood our business needs and helped us put together a strong, clear application. Their attention to detail and knowledge of the funding process made all the difference. Thanks to their guidance, we secured the grant in April — and we’re now able to move forward with our growth plans with real confidence.”
David, Dakido Ltd