Entrepreneurs and innovators from across the West Midlands will
get the opportunity to develop and grow their businesses by
connecting with potential investors, partners and support
organisations at a free event next March.
Now in its 10th year, Venturefest West Midlands
will take place on Wednesday, 19 March, at the Eastside Rooms,
Woodcock Street, Birmingham. Among this year's sponsors are
Medilink Midlands.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is sponsoring and
co-hosting the event which provides a platform for entrepreneurs,
innovators, and investors to share ideas and explore
opportunities for collaboration, with a focus on science and
emerging technologies.
Venturefest WM 2025 will include panel discussions, workshops and
an exhibition of innovative products.
, Mayor of the West
Midlands, said: “The entrepreneurial energy of the West Midlands
is on full display at Venturefest, where ambition and innovation
come together.
“I'm backing the talent and drive of our region's brightest minds
as part of my plan to make the West Midlands the best place to
start and grow a business. Building connections and sharing ideas
like this will help create the investment, jobs, and
opportunities our communities need to thrive.”
Running alongside Venturefest WM for another year will
be Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up,
a ‘Dragon's Den' style competition for business owners. The
event provides a unique opportunity for businesses to raise their
profile both in the West Midlands and in front of a national
audience of investors.
Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up is run by the Centre for Growth at
Aston University, BizzInn at the University of Birmingham and
Minerva Business Angels, part of the University of Warwick
Science Park
It has put more than 200 entrepreneurs directly in front of
investors over recent years and helped bring more than £65
million of investments to the region's small businesses.
The deadline for applications is January 6, 2025 – apply on the
Aston University website.
VentureFest 2025 also coincides with the first West Midlands
Business Festival.
Supported by Business Growth West Midlands, the festival is set
to include around 70 live events at a host of venues across the
region from March 3 to 14.
Dr Ben Roberts, innovation adviser at Medilink Midlands, said:
“Medilink Midlands' is proud to once again support Venturefest
WM, that serves as an essential platform for innovators and
entrepreneurs to connect with potential partners, investors, and
other key players in the innovation ecosystem.
“As an innovation support organisation, we pride ourselves on
supporting entrepreneurs and innovators to build the right
networks to aid their ideas and technologies and access growth
opportunities.”
For more information about Venturefest WM 2025, including to
register to attend, and opportunities to exhibit or to sponsor,
visit www.venturefestwm.co.uk.
Businesses wanting to host an event during the West Midlands
Business Festival must submit their applications by 10 January
2025 at www.wmbf.co.uk.
