Get Freelancing x NatWest Accelerator
Get Freelancing: Turn Your Skills into Opportunities! 🚀
Stop Waiting. Start Freelancing.
💭 Got creative skills but not sure how to turn them into paid work?
🤔 Want to work for yourself, find clients or explore opportunities in Greater Manchester's creative economy?
💸 Already freelancing but want to build your confidence, grow your network and earn more?
Join us for a one-day Get Freelancing experience at NatWest Spinningfields, bringing together aspiring freelancers, creative professionals and industry experts to help you take your next step.
Organised by the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) and NatWest Accelerator, this practical event will help you discover opportunities in Greater Manchester, develop your freelance mindset and learn how to turn your skills into services that clients will pay for.
Whether you're completely new to freelancing or already taking on projects, you'll leave with fresh ideas, valuable connections and practical next steps.
📅 Friday 12 March 2027
⏰ 10:00am – 4:00pm (Networking from 9:30am)
📍 NatWest Spinningfields, 8th Floor, Manchester
🎉 Freelancer Social: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
⏳ Applications close: 23:59, Friday 26 February 2027
⚡ Places are limited – apply early to secure your opportunity to take part!
What will you get out of the day?
This isn't just a day of talks. It's an opportunity to explore freelancing, meet people working in the industry and develop practical skills you can start using straight away.
You'll:
🎨 Explore Greater Manchester's creative economy and discover opportunities for freelancers
💡 Develop your freelance mindset and hear how professionals have built their careers
💷 Understand how to get paid, manage costs and approach freelance finances
🎯 Define your value proposition so clients understand what you offer and why they should choose you
🤝 Connect with potential clients and industry professionals and build your network
🎤 Practise pitching your skills and communicating your freelance offer with confidence
🚀 Take your next step towards starting or growing your freelance career
You don't need a business idea, an established client base or previous freelance experience. Just bring your curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.
What's happening on the day?
9:30am – Arrivals & Networking ☕
Meet fellow participants, make new connections and get ready for an exciting day.
10:00am – The Creative Economy in Greater Manchester 🎨
With GM Business Growth Hub and Enterprising You
Discover the opportunities available to freelancers across Greater Manchester's growing creative and digital sectors.
Explore the local freelance ecosystem, the skills businesses are looking for and the support available to help you succeed.
11:00am – The Mindset of a Freelancer 💡
Industry Fireside Chat | Chaired by Dan Syder, MEC
What does it really take to build a successful freelance career?
Hear different perspectives from working freelancers, Greater Manchester's creative sector and a digital agency that works with freelancers.
We'll explore how freelancers get started, find opportunities, overcome challenges and build lasting relationships with clients.
Real experiences. Real challenges. Real advice.
12:00pm – Lunch & Networking 🤝
An opportunity to meet other aspiring freelancers, exchange ideas and make new connections.
1:00pm – Freelancer Fundamentals 💷
How do you turn your freelance skills into a sustainable way of earning money?
Explore the practical essentials of working for yourself, including how to get paid, understand your costs and develop a network that can generate opportunities.
2:00pm – Understanding Your Value Proposition & Connecting with Customers 🎯
Why should a client choose you?
Learn how to identify your strengths, communicate the value of your work and understand what potential customers are really looking for.
You'll develop a clearer freelance offer and explore how to connect with the people who need your skills.
3:00pm – Pitching for Freelancers 🎤
Turn your skills into a pitch that gets noticed.
Practise introducing yourself, communicating your value and presenting your services with confidence.
Whether you're approaching your first client, responding to an opportunity or building your professional network, learn how to make your freelance pitch count.
4:00pm – NatWest Social: Freelancer Edition 🎉
Hosted at the NatWest Accelerator Hub | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Keep the conversations going!
Join us for an informal social bringing together freelancers, aspiring creatives and people from Greater Manchester's business community.
Make new connections, share ideas and start building relationships that could lead to future opportunities.
Learn from People Who Know the Industry 🎤
Throughout the day, you'll hear from people who understand the realities of freelance work, including:
GM Business Growth Hub and Enterprising You – discovering opportunities and support across Greater Manchester
Working freelancers – sharing their experiences, challenges and lessons learned
Creative and digital industry professionals – exploring what clients and agencies look for when working with freelancers
Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and NatWest Accelerator – connecting you with people, resources and opportunities to develop your freelance career
You'll have opportunities to ask questions, learn from real examples and build connections beyond the event.
Who should attend?
🧑🎓 Current University of Manchester students, including undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research students
🎓 University of Manchester graduates from within the last two years
🌍 Open to all degrees and disciplines
You don't need to study business or have experience working for yourself.
Your Freelance Journey Starts Here 🚀
Freelancing can give you the freedom to work on exciting projects, develop new skills, build your professional network and earn money doing something you're good at.
You might leave with an idea for your first freelance service, a clearer understanding of how to find clients, a new professional connection or the confidence to take your next step.
One day. New skills. New connections. New opportunities.
📅 Friday 12 March 2027
📍 NatWest Spinningfields, Manchester
🤝 Organised by Masood Entrepreneurship Centre and NatWest Accelerator
⚡ Places are limited!
⏳ Applications close at 23:59 on Friday 26 February 2027.
Ready to turn your skills into opportunities?
Apply now and take your next step into freelancing! 🚀