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

Brighton vs Manchester United LIVE score and goal updates as Michael Carrick makes three changes

It's the final matchday of the 2025/26 Premier League season and Manchester United will end their campaign with a trip to Brighton.Michael Carrick has...

Makerfield by-election LIVE as first poll shows Andy Burnham and Reform in knife-edge race

The Liberal Democrats have announced the party's candidate for the upcoming Makerfield by-election as Stockport councillor Jake Austin.Councillor Austin was born in the constituency...

Jet2 flight from Tenerife in mid-air 'chaos' as pilot suffers medical emergency

A Jet2 flight from Tenerife to Birmingham was forced to divert to Porto after the pilot suffered a suspected heart attack mid-air22:04, 23 May...

Keir Starmer insists 'our plan is working' and says he will 'keep pushing forward'

Sir Keir Starmer plans to remain as Prime Minister, despite calls to quitDespite Sir Keir’s claims of success, both Mr Burnham and Mr Streeting...
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

Major emergency response after child falls off bike in Oldham

Police and paramedics descended on Frederick Street after reports of a potential crashThe child is not believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries. North West...

Pep Guardiola to leave Man City LIVE updates and reaction as exit confirmed

Guardiola will miss Manchester, and Manchester will miss Guardiola. Well, the blue half will anyway.As the manager conducted his final pre-match press conference after...

Brighton vs Manchester United LIVE score and goal updates as Michael Carrick makes three changes

It's the final matchday of the 2025/26 Premier League season and Manchester United will end their campaign with a trip to Brighton.Michael Carrick has...

Gun and drugs found following Whitefield police shooting

A 'substantial find'14:25, 23 May 2026Updated 14:45, 23 May 2026"Our investigation will progress, and we will continue to target those involved in serious 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...