Venturefest Manchester returns with £30k prize for Innovation Showcase winner

Richard Jeffery, Director at Business Growth Hub

The 2016 Venturefest Manchester Innovation Showcase competition is now open for entries with a business support prize package worth over £30,000.

SMEs across Greater Manchester and the wider North West are now invited to submit their entries to the Venturefest team at the Business Growth Hub. Shortlisted entries will be eligible for coaching prior to a pitch and live vote at the event on 21 September at Bridgewater Hall.

The Business Growth Hub, part of Manchester Growth Company, is delivering Venturefest for the third consecutive year, uniting innovators, entrepreneurs and investors from across the North West region. The 2015 event welcomed over 700 attendees and 50 exhibitors and saw Salford-based digital agency Formisimo crowned winners of the Innovation Showcase. Venturefest is funded by the Business Growth Hub, Innovate UK and a range of partners.

Tom New, co-founder of Formisimo, said: “The company has come on leaps and bounds since our success at Venturefest. We recently launched our new website and app, Nudgr, which will be compatible with Formisimo.

“Access to capital and professional advice is imperative for any business looking to expand – especially for those at early stages in their development. The exposure that we have had as part of the support package really got our brand out there, and the impact from that has been incredible.”

Venturefest will also provide SMEs with a chance to take part in a ‘Meet the Expert’ and ‘Meet the Funder’ sessions, giving business owners the opportunity to get practical advice from investors, business angels and other successful entrepreneurs.

Richard Jeffery, Director at Business Growth Hub, said: “Venturefest provides a platform for exciting businesses to showcase their unique products and services in front of a hugely influential audience.

“The region is at the forefront of innovation in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing and digital, creative and technology sectors – and it is these areas that are going drive real change in the region over the coming years. We host this event to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, as well as helping them to raise their profiles and secure the funding they need to expand.”

The primary event partners are Innovate UK and the Knowledge Transfer Network. Other supporting partners include University of Salford, The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Lancaster University, Sci-Tech Daresbury, Manchester Science Partnerships, Rise Manchester powered by Barclays, UK Trade and Investment NW, Northwest Business Angels, MIDAS, Intellectual Property Office, Grant Thornton, Enterprise Europe Network, European City of Science Manchester 2016, Co-Angel Investment, Business Finance Solutions, ICAEW Business Advice Service and Appleyard Lees.