Inaugural Festival of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

And 100 places for each event have been opened for A-level and BTEC students from local colleges.

Attendees will learn from established entrepreneurs what it takes to build a business from scratch, be a freelancer, gain and develop entrepreneurial skills, what mistakes to avoid and hear about how they are using their businesses to make an impact and to make the world a better place.

Kicking off on Monday 17 May, it is a great opportunity to find out more about setting up a business and making it successful. The five-week festival aims to bring together rising entrepreneurs and industry professionals in a wide range of events designed to expand networks, share knowledge and broaden horizons.

Anyone who would like to learn more about the ins and outs of becoming an entrepreneur and starting a business venture are welcome to attend the festival.

• Meet over 18 speakers and well-established entrepreneurs such as Cesar Melo, former Pepsico President, Vikas Shah MBE and John Roberts, the CEO of AO World.
• Get inspired and broaden your understanding of the business landscape in the post-pandemic era.
• Network with like-minded business professionals and social entrepreneurs who are supporting the local and the global community.
• Boost your employability prospects, stimulate your creativity and discover whether the entrepreneurship journey is the right path for you.
• Learn how to expand your business globally with our very first Launch Global Programme.

Festival manager Justyna Turner, who runs the Launch @Salforduni incubator, said: “We’re really excited to be bring the first ever entrepreneurship festival to Salford. There is so much going on, there should be something for everybody, whether you are a student, a graduate or just someone who aspires to be an entrepreneur.

“We are keen to help the community and not just our own students, which is why we want to hear from schools and colleges who may be keen for their students to learn more about being entrepreneurial.

“Even if you’re not looking at working for yourself, developing entrepreneurial skills can take you a long way in your career.

“And this is just the start. I’m looking forward to the festival getting bigger and better every year”.