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Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub is partnering with the Business Growth Service for the first time to deliver Greater Manchester’s largest event for entrepreneurs
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More than 500 entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders expected at the flagship event
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The event brings together a wide range of exhibitors under one roof that will support entrepreneurs to start up or scale their business.
Greater Manchester's biggest celebration of entrepreneurship is set to return in 2027, with business owners, founders, freelancers and professionals invited to attend the fifth annual Festival of Enterprise.
Taking place at The Bridgewater Hall on Friday 19 March 2027, the event is hosted by GM Business Growth Hub in partnership with the Business Growth Service, bringing together businesses at every stage of their journey, from start-ups and sole traders to established companies looking to scale.
It's the first time that the Business Growth Service have partnered with GM Business Growth Hub on an event since the Service launched earlier this year. The Business Growth Service, which provides free and impartial advice, expert-led training and local assistance to businesses through a network of partner organisations including the Hub.
The one-day festival has become Greater Manchester's flagship event for ambitious entrepreneurs, offering practical support, expert advice and valuable networking opportunities designed to help businesses start, grow and succeed.
Next year's milestone event will feature soon to be announced inspirational keynote speakers, expert panel discussions, interactive workshops and opportunities for attendees to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and potential collaborators from across the city-region.
Yvonne Sampson, Director of Enterprise at GM Business Growth Hub, part of the Growth Company said:
"The UK's headline rate of entrepreneurship is the strongest it's ever been, which backs up what we know to be true. Ambition is alive and well. It sounds obvious, but the right support is vital to make sure that businesses can make it through those important first years.
"That’s why we put on the Festival of Enterprise year on year, so that more people in Greater Manchester know about the support they can access to succeed"
Minister for Small Business and Enterprise, Lord Leong CBE, said:
“Greater Manchester is home to an incredibly ambitious business community, and the Festival of Enterprise is a great opportunity to connect entrepreneurs with the support, expertise and networks that can help them grow. Through the Business Growth Service, we want to make it simpler for businesses to find the right support at the right time. We’re delighted to be working with GM Business Growth Hub to bring that support directly to businesses across the city-region.”
Workshops will cover key topics including business start-up essentials, AI, scaling strategies and how to get your business investment-ready.
One of the festival's most popular features, the Pitching Corner, will also return, providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to present their business or product to a live audience in a supportive environment and gain valuable exposure.
New for 2027 is a dedicated speed networking session, designed to help attendees make meaningful connections quickly with potential customers, partners and collaborators.
Visitors will also be able to explore a marketplace showcasing a diverse range of Greater Manchester businesses, featuring products and services spanning eco-friendly goods, artisan crafts, technology solutions and wellbeing products. Businesses interested in exhibiting can submit an expression of interest to become a stallholder.
Alongside networking and learning opportunities, attendees will have direct access to business support organisations from across the region. Experts from GM Business Growth Hub, the Business Growth Service, public sector partners and the wider support ecosystem will be available throughout the day to provide guidance on funding, growth opportunities, innovation and specialist business advice.
Festival of Enterprise reflects Greater Manchester's ambition to be one of the UK's leading places to start, develop and scale a business, helping entrepreneurs connect with the people, resources and ideas that can drive their next stage of growth.
In addition to the business-focused programme, attendees can enjoy live music from local artists, complimentary refreshments and a light lunch, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the day.
For more information, visit: GM Business Growth Hub | Festival of Enterprise 2027
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