EventsGreater Manchester’s largest entrepreneurs festival returns for 2025 

Greater Manchester’s largest entrepreneurs festival returns for 2025 

GM Business Growth Hub is bringing its Festival of Enterprise back for the third time – welcoming start-ups, entrepreneurs, sole traders and the self-employed.
Taking place on Friday (March 14), the Royal Exchange Theatre is the ultimate destination for those hoping to launch or expand their business.
Event host EnterprisingYou, GM Business Growth Hub’s flagship support programme for the self-employed and startups in the region, has supported over 4000 entrepreneurs and small businesses, and helped create £13.6 million of revenue across Greater Manchester since 2020.
This year’s Festival of Enterprise has seen a 50% increase in registrations from 2024, and additional tickets have been released this week.
Yvonne Sampson, head of enterprise at GM Business Growth Hub, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing back Festival of Enterprise for the third year. And this time it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. I’m really proud of the amazing speakers and exhibitors we have lined up.
“Running a business, being self-employed is really challenging. But if you allow yourself even just one day for yourself this year, it should be the Festival of Enterprise. I guarantee you’ll come away feeling inspired and ready to do business in 2025.”
This year businesses from across Greater Manchester are speaking and exhibiting at the immersive experience featuring a diverse line-up of inspirational speakers, networking opportunities, and an array of vendors and stalls showcasing innovative products and services in a unique festival atmosphere.
These include small businesses like Koko Blossom, based in Tameside who will be exhibiting at the event.  Laura Brownhill, its founder, said: “I’m excited for the opportunity to have a Koko Blossom stall at the Festival of Enterprise. As well as being a great opportunity to promote the business, I’m looking forward to meeting and learning from fellow entrepreneurs.”
The event will feature inspiring talks from industry experts such as Nadine Merabi – creative director of Nadine Merabi Ltd, James Hamilton – CEO of Pixeltree, Sarah Cross – founder of CODE Beautiful and Jordan Dargue – co-founder of Lifted Ventures on topics such as ‘Mastering Marketing,’ ‘The Power of Exporting,’ and ‘Finance for Success.’
There will also be chances to pitch before a live audience and get feedback, network, and take part in interactive workshops, as well as enjoy live entertainment.
Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Man United transfer news LIVE: Huge Tonali update, new Ederson agreement, Leao bargain

Remember Turki Al-Sheikh? The man who once posted a cryptic message on X suggesting Manchester United were in an 'advanced stage' of a takeover.He...

Man City vs Aston Villa LIVE Pep Guardiola names final Man City XI and makes sweeping changes

Manchester City welcome Aston Villa to the Etihad Stadium for the final day of the Premier League season and Pep Guardiola's final match in...

Man United transfer news LIVE – Ederson 'advanced talks', Elliot Anderson update, £80m battle

Thomas Tuchel has named the England squad for this summer's World Cup, with some Manchester United players missing out.There is no place in the...

BNKer and Doorly unveil partnership aimed at redefining modern residential living

Manchester-founded proptech company BNKer continues to tackle the UK residential market’s growing space challenge through its in-building self-storage solution, now forming a partnership with...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Robert Faulkner’s The Mysteries of Rome and Intrigue delivers a thrilling cross-border adventure

Readers are being taken deep into a dangerous world of deception, suspense and international intrigue with the release of Robert Faulkner’s latest thriller, The...

Property Investment Manchester: Why the City Continues to Attract Investors

Manchester’s property market has spent years building a reputation as one of the UK’s strongest regional investment locations. In 2026, that reputation continues to...

Why Manchester Businesses Are Reassessing How They Transport Staff and Clients

Owning a vehicle fleet once made sense when running costs were stable and compliance demands were relatively unchanged. In Manchester today, neither holds true. Clean...

Century of Science: M&I Materials Celebrates 100 Years of Apiezon Legacy

Manchester-based M&I Materials is celebrating a major milestone in 2026, as its globally recognised Apiezon reaches 100 years of supporting cutting-edge scientific research and...

More News

Camp Digital expands ‘Rising Stars’ programme to widen access to the UK’s digital sector

A Manchester-based digital conference is expanding its funded ticket scheme aimed at students, career switchers and early-career professionals, as concerns grow over access and...

Crowd control and event security in Manchester: Ensuring a safe experience for all

Manchester has long been celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene and dynamic business environment, attracting large-scale events ranging from music festivals to sporting events...

Progressive Leadership Festival to debut in May with focus on purpose-driven business

A new gathering aimed at redefining the role of business in society will take place this spring as the Progressive Leadership Festival makes its...