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VentureFest
Published on 01 August 2019
United Kingdom
Greater Manchester
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Businesses need to access to a whole range of funding and support to help them grow and prosper. VentureFest North West is an event that helps businesses find funding and support to suit their needs. It brings together the NW region’s innovators, entrepreneurs and investors to facilitate business connections, growth opportunities and new ideas. The event provides a mix of inspirational speakers, interactive workshops, exhibitors and networking opportunities. The event also features the “Innovation Showcase Competition” that enables businesses to promote their latest products, services and innovations to an audience of potential customers, partners and funders.
There are four categories - Product Innovation, Service Innovation, Digital Innovation, and Innovative Established Business - and business may enter more than one. There is also be an Overall Winner and a Venturefest Audience Winner. Entries are considered by a judging panel, which is made up of industry experts. Shortlisted businesses receive support in the lead-up to the event. Ten finalists make a short presentation at Venturefest North West, when all the winners will be announced.
Winners will receive business support packages worth thousands of pounds valuable publicity.
The event also provides “Meet the Funder” sessions providing business owners with the opportunity to have one-to-one ‘speed meetings’ with various funders/investors matched to their business profile and funding requirements.
There are four categories - Product Innovation, Service Innovation, Digital Innovation, and Innovative Established Business - and business may enter more than one. There is also be an Overall Winner and a Venturefest Audience Winner. Entries are considered by a judging panel, which is made up of industry experts. Shortlisted businesses receive support in the lead-up to the event. Ten finalists make a short presentation at Venturefest North West, when all the winners will be announced.
Winners will receive business support packages worth thousands of pounds valuable publicity.
The event also provides “Meet the Funder” sessions providing business owners with the opportunity to have one-to-one ‘speed meetings’ with various funders/investors matched to their business profile and funding requirements.
Resources needed
The event costs about £100,000 to put on. It also requires at least 1 member of staff to co-ordinate throughout the year and about 20 members of staff to support on the day of the event.
Evidence of success
Results from 2018 event:
658 Delegates
more than 90% of delegates rated the event ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good
Over £50,000 in prizes
more than 90% of delegates rated the event ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good
Over £4m in funding offers
Total reach of 5.8m Twitter users
658 Delegates
more than 90% of delegates rated the event ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good
Over £50,000 in prizes
more than 90% of delegates rated the event ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good
Over £4m in funding offers
Total reach of 5.8m Twitter users
Potential for learning or transfer
Access to finance is an issue that is not unique in origin. It’s a borderless issue that all businesses face no matter of their location, age or size. Venturefest North West provides an event for all businesses to access free of charge that enables them to showcase their products and access a range of funding all under one roof. The event is simple yet effective and could be replicated easily in any region or country.
Financial and human resources are an essential part of this event and as stated above at least £100,000 is required to put on the event. This is can be a large amount of funding to find. However, with the event generating £4m in investment there is an argument that the costs are more than justified.
Financial and human resources are an essential part of this event and as stated above at least £100,000 is required to put on the event. This is can be a large amount of funding to find. However, with the event generating £4m in investment there is an argument that the costs are more than justified.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub
United Kingdom
Greater Manchester
Contact
External funding Manager