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

The Signal Crisis Is Why Your Online Ads Feel So Weird — and Manchester Businesses Are Feeling It Too

You buy a coat from a Northern Quarter boutique online. Done. Sorted. But for the next three weeks, every website you visit is absolutely...

Medium‑Sized Businesses Reassess SharePoint as Governance Gaps Emerge

London, UK – 28 May 2026 — Rising search interest around SharePoint best practices is drawing attention to a recurring challenge for medium‑sized organisations: how...

JVR Consultancy highlights the operational complexity of rail supplier compliance requirements

Compliance advisory firm JVR Consultancy is encouraging organisations operating within the UK rail sector to take a more structured approach to supplier assurance and...

Orbit Spaces Reveals First Look at New Floor of 55 King Street Flexible Workspace

Manchester-based flexible workspace provider Orbit Spaces has revealed a first look at the new floor of its expanded site at 55 King Street, ahead of...
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

What happens next as Oldham chaos carries on and on and on

The council has been criticised by an MP for its ‘unnecessary and petty-minded politics’Two weeks of meetings have been cancelled amid ongoing mayhem at...

JVR Consultancy highlights the operational complexity of rail supplier compliance requirements

Compliance advisory firm JVR Consultancy is encouraging organisations operating within the UK rail sector to take a more structured approach to supplier assurance and...

Eight Engines wins Production Company of the Year at Prolific North Champions Awards 2026

Manchester-based video production company Eight Engines has been named Production Company of the Year at the Prolific North Champions Awards 2026, marking a landmark moment for...

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...

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...