There is nowhere better to start, grow or scale your business than Greater Manchester!
Join us on 20th March 2026 at Campfield, Manchester for the return of the Festival of Enterprise - a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship and business growth, back with more insight, energy, and opportunity than ever before.
Hosted by GM Business Growth Hub and powered by the EnterprisingYou team, this free, one-day event brings together the region’s entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and small business owners for a day of inspiration, connection, and practical learning.
Whether you’re developing an idea, building a startup, or scaling a growing business with a team in place, the Festival of Enterprise offers something for every stage of the journey.
What’s in Store?
Keynote Speakers and Panel
Hear from trailblazers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs as they share their journeys, including the highs, the hurdles, and the hard-earned lessons.
Interactive workshops
Take part in lively, expert-led sessions on business start-up essentials, digitalisation and AI, finance, marketing, scaling strategies for sustainable growth. Tailor your experience by choosing the workshops that help you take your next step - whether you’re just starting out or scaling up.
Pitch your business!
Back by popular demand, the Pitching Corner is your chance to share your business or product with a live audience in a buzzing, supportive atmosphere. It’s a perfect chance to get noticed and spark interest in your vision. Always a highlight of the Festival!
Networking and Market Stalls
Connect with Greater Manchester’s vibrant entrepreneurial network and explore a marketplace of small businesses showcasing and selling a wide range of products including eco-friendly goods, artisanal crafts, tech solutions, and wellness products.
Interested in showcasing your business? Submit an expression of interest to become a stallholder at the festival and share your products or services with an engaged audience.
A powerhouse of support under one roof!
GM Business Growth Hub, public sector partners and the wider business support community will be on hand, ready to help you achieve your ambitions. Tap into the expertise and opportunities that can propel your idea or business forward.
Plus...
Enjoy an engaging and unique festival atmosphere with live music from talented local artists, complimentary tea and coffee, and a range of delicious food options for purchase throughout the day.
Workshops
There are three Workshop sessions taking place throughout Festival of Enterprise. Each session has a choice of two workshop topics you can pre-register to attend.
Starting your business the right way
Whether you're dreaming of becoming self-employed or nurturing a side hustle with the potential to grow, this workshop is your essential starting point. We'll explore the fundamentals of starting a business the right way, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to take the leap.
Strategy for Scaling-up
Join this transformative workshop designed to challenge your thinking and elevate your approach to business strategy. You'll gain fresh insights into key areas of your operations and walk away with actionable ideas to drive growth and scale with confidence.
Sales & Marketing for Start-ups and Freelancers
Starting a business is exciting—but navigating sales and marketing can feel overwhelming. This hands-on workshop breaks down proven marketing methods and strategic approaches tailored for new start-ups. You’ll explore practical techniques to attract customers, build your brand, and boost sales—so you leave confident, equipped, and ready to grow.
From Proof to Profit: Building a Go-To-Market Engine That Scales
Most scale-ups fail not because of their product, but because they never nail their positioning. In this session, we’ll break down how to validate your offer, define your ideal customer profile, and craft a route to market that actually drives growth. You’ll leave with practical ways to test your messaging, focus your marketing, and form partnerships that create consistent revenue, not random wins.
Integrating AI for Growing Businesses
This informative workshop will take delegates on the journey to discovering AI Tools and Applications commonly used by growing businesses. Discover how these tools can improve productivity and profitability, advance research efforts, and drive innovation in product and service development.
Finance for business
In this dynamic workshop, we’ll demystify the world of business finance—exploring the full spectrum of funding options available to growing enterprises. From traditional loans to innovative investment models, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what’s out there and how to access it. You’ll leave informed, inspired, and equipped with practical steps to secure the funding your business needs to thrive.
Why Attend?
- Meet like-minded entrepreneurs and build valuable connections throughout the day.
- Promote your business through pitching, stallholder opportunities, and networking sessions.
- Gain expert insights to sharpen your growth plan, no matter where you are in your journey
Don’t miss this chance to turn ambition into action.
Secure your FREE ticket today and join us for an unforgettable day celebrating entrepreneurship and scaling up success in Greater Manchester.
We can’t wait to see you there!
About the Venue
Located in the heart of Manchester city centre, Campfield is one of the city’s most exciting new spaces for innovation and creativity. Set within a beautifully restored Victorian market hall, it blends Manchester’s rich industrial heritage with a bold, modern design. As part of the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) redevelopment, Campfield has become a vibrant hub for business, technology, and collaboration. Just a short walk from Deansgate and the city’s main transport links, it’s an inspiring venue that reflects Greater Manchester’s spirit of progress and possibility.
This Event will have photography and videography taking place during the Event, please do let a member of staff know if you do not wish to appear in any media
Eligibility to attend is age 16+ and based in Greater Manchester
GM Business Growth Hub is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The £7.5m funding has been made possible thanks to Greater Manchester Combined Authority securing funding to deliver UKSPF projects.