Whether you're starting out, standing out or scaling up, there is nowhere better place to do business than Greater Manchester.
Join us on 19th March 2027 at The Bridgewater Hall for the fifth Festival of Enterprise, Greater Manchester's flagship event for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Hosted by GM Business Growth Hub in partnership with the Business Growth Service, this one-day event brings together self-employed professionals, sole traders, freelancers, start-ups, growing businesses and scale-ups from across Greater Manchester.
As we celebrate our fifth festival, we're bringing together more than 500 business owners, founders and professionals for a day of inspirational speakers, practical workshops, networking opportunities and business support, all under one roof.
Whether you're building a business from the ground up, working for yourself, growing your team or ready to scale, Festival of Enterprise connects you with the insight, people, knowledge and support to help you take the next step.
What’s in Store?
A powerhouse of support under one roof!
One of the biggest strengths of Festival of Enterprise is the breadth of expertise available in one place. GM Business Growth Hub, the Business Growth Service, public sector partners and the wider business support ecosystem will be on hand throughout the day, helping you access funding opportunities, guidance, networks and specialist advice to support your next stage of growth.
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, AI, scaling strategies and how to get your business investment-ready. 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!
Always a highlight of the Festival, the Pitching Corner is back by popular demand. Your chance to share your business or product with a live audience in a buzzing, supportive atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity to get noticed and spark interest in your vision.
NEW this year - Speed networking
Make new connections quickly through a facilitated networking session designed to help you meet like-minded entrepreneurs, collaborators and potential customers.
Market stalls
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.
Plus...
Enjoy an engaging and unique festival atmosphere with live music from talented local artists. Complimentary tea and coffee, and a light lunch will be provided.
Why Attend?
- Connect with hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals from across Greater Manchester.
- Discover new opportunities, partnerships and collaborations.
- Gain practical insights from experienced speakers and workshop facilitators.
- Promote your business through pitching, exhibiting and facilitated networking.
- Learn about the support, advice and resources available to help your business grow.
- Leave with fresh ideas, valuable contacts and renewed motivation.
Festival of Enterprise reflects Greater Manchester's ambition to be one of the best places in the UK to start, grow and scale a business.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the people, organisations and ideas shaping the future of enterprise across the region. We can’t wait to see you there!
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 GM Integrated Settlement.
About the Venue
Located in the heart of Manchester city centre, The Bridgewater Hall has been a landmark of the city's cultural and architectural landscape since 1996. Known for its contemporary design, light-filled spaces and impressive glass frontage, the venue combines modern character with world-class facilities.
Easily accessible by rail, tram and road, it provides a fitting backdrop for the Festival of Enterprise, bringing together ambitious entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, growing businesses and scale-ups from across Greater Manchester
