About this Event
Hosted by GM Business Growth Hub’s EnterprisingYou team, in partnership with Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency, this event brings together local entrepreneurs, support organisations and industry specialists for a day of ideas, learning and collaboration. The festival will showcase the very best of Rochdale businesses through guest speakers, expert led workshops and a range of exhibitors.
Choose from three dedicated workshops throughout the morning, explore business support available across Rochdale, and have the chance to promote your business in our ‘Pitch Your Business’ session - a great opportunity to share your story with fellow attendees.
You will also have the opportunity to network with like-minded businesses over breakfast and lunch (both provided).
What to Expect:
Guest Speakers
Mark Robinson - Rochdale Council Executive Director
Guest Speaker 2 – TBC
Workshops
There will be three workshops taking place twice during the day, on registering your details you will be able to choose one from each time slot:
Workshop 1 - From Window Shopper to Loyal Customer
Turn every walk-in into a loyal fan by perfecting your customer journey from welcome mat to farewell.
Map and Optimise: Identify and improve key in-store touchpoints that influence buying behaviour. Brand Identity: Define what make your store unique to customers and how to leverage that with your marketing. Enhance Experience: Apply techniques to create memorable experiences that drive upsells and loyalty through. Post-Purchase Engagement: Use data capture and follow-up practices to encourage repeat visits.
Delivered by: Matt Simmons & Jon Walkington - Sales Geek
Workshop 2 - AI Application for Small Businesses
This workshop introduces participants to practical applications of AI, focusing on prompting, automation, and content creation. It highlights what AI can achieve, how to use it effectively, and its impact on workplace productivity.
Delivered by: Edwin Cooke - Structured Digital Learning Ltd
Workshop 3 - How Start-Up Businesses Build Purpose, Direction & Momentum in 2026
By the end of this session, participants will walk away with: A clear understanding of what’s been blocking their confidence, a calm, grounded roadmap for their next 90 days, renewed clarity on what they want for 2026, a sense of direction, purpose and self-belief and a practical blueprint they can implement immediately
This masterclass is not motivational hype, it's a real, structured reset that cuts through overwhelm, fear, self-doubt and indecision.
Delivered by: Toni Eastwood OBE - Quantum Vantage
Pitch Your Business
Delegates will also have the chance to be selected to ‘Pitch Your Business’ to fellow attendees - a fantastic opportunity to share your story, build visibility and gain valuable feedback.
Why Attend?
By joining the festival, you will:
- Gain practical skills from industry specialists
- Learn more about the business support available for Rochdale businesses
- Network with like-minded entrepreneurs and local leaders
- Leave inspired, informed and ready to take your business to the next level
If you're in Rochdale and want to start or grow a business, this is the event for you. Join fellow entrepreneurs and take the next step in your business journey
Please note that photographs and video footage may be taken throughout this event for marketing purposes.
Book your ticket now.
Agenda
09:30 - Registration and refreshments
10:00 - Welcome and overview
10:15 - Mark Robinson - Rochdale Council Executive Director
10:30 - Guest speaker 2 - TBC
11:00 - Break for workshops
11:15 - Workshop 1
12:15 - Workshop 2
13:00 - Pitching, networking and lunch
Please note that photographs and video footage may be taken throughout this event for marketing purposes.
This fully funded workshop is open to:
-Pre & post start organisations based in Greater Manchester
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Rochdale AFC, Sandy Lane, Rochdale, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
