Why Manchester Is a Great Place to Start a Business
Manchester has a proud history of invention, from the world's first stored-program computer to the discovery of graphene. Today that spirit of innovation lives on in a thriving startup ecosystem. Founders benefit from lower costs than London, a large talent pool from local universities, strong sector clusters in digital, health tech, fintech and advanced materials, and a growing community of investors.
Incubators and accelerators play a crucial role in helping early-stage businesses turn ideas into companies. They provide workspace, mentoring, training, investor introductions and, perhaps most importantly, a community of fellow founders who understand the highs and lows of building a business.
How We Selected These Programmes
We considered the quality of support and mentoring, access to funding and investors, workspace and facilities, track record of alumni success, sector focus and accessibility for diverse founders. We included university-backed, corporate-backed and independent programmes.
1. Barclays Eagle Labs Manchester
Barclays Eagle Labs provides workspace, mentoring and growth programmes for startups and scale-ups. Its Manchester lab connects founders with industry experts, investors and Barclays' wider network, and it runs regular events and sector-focused programmes, including support for tech and fintech businesses.
2. NatWest Accelerator Manchester
The NatWest Accelerator offers a free programme for ambitious entrepreneurs, providing coaching, peer networks, workshops and workspace. Its Manchester hub supports businesses across many sectors and is known for strong founder community and practical growth support.
3. Innospace
Innospace is Manchester Metropolitan University's business incubator, supporting student, graduate and independent entrepreneurs. It offers affordable workspace, mentoring and business support, with a strong track record in creative and digital businesses.
4. Masood Entrepreneurship Centre
Based at The University of Manchester, the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre supports students and graduates with venture programmes, competitions, funding and mentoring. It helps turn academic ideas into viable businesses and fosters an entrepreneurial culture across campus.
5. The University of Manchester Innovation Factory
The Innovation Factory helps commercialise research from The University of Manchester, supporting spin-out companies and licensing technologies. It provides access to investment, intellectual property expertise and business support for deep tech and research-based ventures.
6. Bruntwood SciTech
Bruntwood SciTech operates science and technology campuses including Manchester Science Park and Circle Square. It provides lab space, offices and innovation programmes for science, health and tech companies, creating clusters where startups can grow alongside established firms.
7. The Landing at MediaCityUK
The Landing is a technology and innovation hub in Salford's MediaCityUK, home to the BBC and ITV. It supports digital, creative and media tech startups with workspace, test labs, events and connections to the broadcasting and creative industries.
8. The Sharp Project
The Sharp Project in north Manchester is a hub for digital and creative businesses, offering flexible studio and production space. It has supported film, television, animation and digital content companies and fosters collaboration among creative entrepreneurs.
9. Tech Manchester
Tech Manchester is a community-led initiative supporting tech founders through mentoring programmes, events and peer support. It connects early-stage entrepreneurs with experienced founders and industry professionals who volunteer their time.
10. Northern Gritstone
Northern Gritstone is an investment company focused on commercialising innovation from northern universities, including Manchester. While primarily an investor, it provides patient capital and strategic support to science and technology spin-outs, helping them scale.
Trends in Manchester's Startup Scene
Several trends are shaping the ecosystem. Deep tech and health tech are growing fast, supported by university research and the region's NHS partnerships. Fintech continues to flourish, building on Manchester's financial and professional services strengths. Investment from northern-focused funds is increasing, reducing the need for founders to look to London. Diversity initiatives are also expanding, with more programmes supporting female founders and entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.
How to Choose the Right Incubator
Consider your stage, sector and needs. Early-stage founders may benefit most from mentoring and community, while more advanced startups may prioritise investor access and specialist facilities. Check whether a programme takes equity, review alumni outcomes and speak to past participants. The right incubator should offer support that matches your goals and culture.
Getting the Most From an Incubator
Engage actively with mentors and peers, attend events and take advantage of every introduction. Be open to feedback, track your progress against clear milestones and build relationships that will last beyond the programme. Many of Manchester's most successful founders credit their networks as much as their funding.
Funding Options for Manchester Startups
Alongside incubators, Manchester founders can access a growing range of funding sources. Angel investor networks provide early capital and mentorship, while regional venture funds and university-linked investors back high-potential science and technology ventures. Government-supported schemes such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme make investment more attractive to backers, and innovation grants can fund research and development. Crowdfunding has also become a credible route for consumer brands. Many incubators help founders prepare pitch decks, financial models and due diligence materials, improving their chances of securing the right investment on the right terms.
Final Thoughts
Manchester's incubators and accelerators offer founders everything they need to launch and grow. From university spin-out support to corporate-backed accelerators and creative hubs, the city's ecosystem provides the community, expertise and capital to turn bold ideas into successful businesses.