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

Sainsbury's Tu shoppers race to buy 'summer staple' linen trousers for £3 in clever deal stack

The £22.50 trousers are the perfect alternative to jeans on hot days, and now savvy buyers can bag them for less than the price...

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...

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...

Man Utd news: Rashford transfer ramps up with new development as bidding war breaks out

MEN Sport unpacks the latest rumblings around Manchester United's summer transfer window, including the latest on Marcus Rashford's Barcelona moveIt's been well documented that...
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

Pilot explains real reason air passengers must 'fully switch off phones'

American Airlines pilot Captain Steve has revealed why passengers are sometimes instructed to fully switch off their electronic devices rather than just place them...

Author Reed Lovac publishes new collection of dark fiction short stories

Established author Reed Lovac has released a new book comprising four short stories centred around an ancient item of clothing, exploring themes drawn from...

Manchester Agency Eight Engines Shortlisted for GMCC Small Business of the Year Award

Manchester-based video marketing agency Eight Engines has been named a finalist for the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) Small Business of the Year...

Makerfield by-election LIVE as constituents tell us they doubt Andy Burnham's chances against Reform surge

Andy Burnham said he was not proposing the UK rejoining the European Union as he warned against getting stuck in a “permanent rut” of...

More News

Why Manchester wins when it comes to corporate events

There was a time when businesses organising a major corporate event faced a fairly simple decision: choose London, or be prepared to justify going...

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...