E208 That Great Business Show Government backed MicroFinance Ireland, the micro business specialist lender, has doubled its lending limits and businesses can now apply for loans of up to €50,000. MFI CEO Des McCarthy joins us on That Great Business Show to explain who can get this cash, and how best to go about getting it -but not if you're in sex, drugs or 'rock and roll' aka distilling (but brewing is OK?!). But if you're in food for example, and your business is under the cosh, they're more than happy to hear from you. One of their biggest 'wins' so far is Zeus scooters that started with an MFI loan. The Lonely Planet and Condé Nast Traveler travel guides highlight Kerry’s Gap of Dunloe as one of the top natural wonders in Ireland. National Geographic says it’s one of the most scenic drives in the world. But to Dennis Pio Moriarty it’s just called ‘home’, home to his family top end souvenir business for the past sixty years, originally set up by Dennis’ mum and dad. However, during Covid, it all came to a shuddering halt and there was nothing pretty about the Gap or the business. He talks about the process, and how they made the business survive and thrive. And, we find out that there's a world shortage of blackthorn sticks for shillelaghs. His 'hire in a heartbeat' is Michael O'Leary   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.