Festival of Enterprise 2026

Schedule

Fri Mar 20 2026 at 09:00 am to 04:00 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Campfield | Manchester, EN

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There is nowhere better to start, grow or scale your business than Greater Manchester!
About this Event

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, and 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.

> Click here to express your interest in having a stall.


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.


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 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.


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Agenda

🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Registration and Networking
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
Opening address
🕑: 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Panel
🕑: 11:25 AM - 12:10 PM
Workshop: Starting your business the right way
🕑: 11:25 AM - 12:10 PM
Workshop: Strategy for Scaling-up
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Break
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Pitching
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:05 PM
Keynote
🕑: 01:10 PM - 01:55 PM
Workshop: Sales & Marketing for Start-ups and Freelancers
🕑: 01:10 PM - 01:55 PM
Workshop: From Proof to Profit, Building a Go-To-Market Engine That Scales
🕑: 01:55 PM - 02:05 PM
Break
🕑: 02:05 PM - 02:20 PM
Pitching
🕑: 02:20 PM - 02:40 PM
Keynote
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:30 PM
Workshop: Integrating AI for Growing Businesses
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:30 PM
Workshop: Finance and Funding for Growth
🕑: 03:30 PM
Closing address
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Where is it happening?

Campfield, Liverpool Road, Manchester, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

GBP 0.00

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