The Innovation team at the GM Business Growth Hub is organising four events to encourage innovation and business growth across Greater Manchester.

These Innovation Marketplace events aim to connect businesses with resources within Greater Manchester.

The events are open to business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are interested in networking, discovering funding resources, and attending expert talks and workshops.

Highlights include "AI for Beginners' and 'Eco-FORCE" workshops, which will help businesses explore opportunities in artificial intelligence and sustainability.

The events will also feature Lightning Talks, where attendees can hear success stories from local businesses that have benefited from the innovation ecosystem.

The Innovation Marketplace will take place in various locations, including Stockport and Tameside, Oldham and Rochdale, and Salford and Trafford, to encourage maximum attendance.

Organisers believe the events have something to offer to all businesses, whether they are start-ups, SMEs, or established companies.

The aim is to help businesses accelerate their innovation, embrace new ideas, and stay ahead of customer demands.

The events have been organised by the GM Business Growth Hub’s Innovation team in collaboration with their GM Innovation Ecosystem partners.

The goal is to equip businesses with the tools, insights, and connections to innovate and develop their products, services, or processes.

Attendees will be able to gain practical insights and hear success stories from local businesses during the Lightning Talks.

Yvonne Grady, from the GM Business Growth Hub, said: "Whether you’re just starting your innovation journey or looking to scale, joining us at an Innovation Marketplace event will equip you with the tools, insights, and connections to drive success in your products, services, or processes.

"The Innovation team has had an incredible 2024, with the launch of our Innovation Navigator programme and working with hundreds of businesses to enhance innovation, boost productivity, and help our region’s businesses to grow.

"These four events will help us round out the year with a bang."

In addition to the workshops and talks, representatives from local authorities, universities, legal and financial experts, R&D tax consultants, and innovation specialists will be present to help attendees bring their new ideas to life or propel existing innovation projects forward.

The Growth Hub team will also be available to help businesses discover funding opportunities and access resources to support their innovation journey.

The Innovation Marketplace events will also provide an opportunity for businesses to network with other business owners and peers who have embarked on similar innovation journeys.

The dates and locations for the Innovation Marketplace Events are as follows:

Stockport and Tameside: November 19, 9am-1pm

Oldham and Rochdale: December 3, 9am-1pm

Salford and Trafford: December 4, 9am-1pm

Businesses are encouraged to register for their local Innovation Marketplace event.

For more information on each event, visit the GM Business Growth Hub's website.