MANDEVILLE, Manchester — On Sunday, more than 30 women entrepreneurs in Manchester will get a chance to benefit from exposure and invaluable networking opportunities.

That chance will be presented through an event now in its second year called Made in Manchester, which is aimed at allowing women in business to showcase goods and services in an exhibition-style atmosphere.

“It is an ideal platform for small business owners to use very little money for big impact. When you come together as a group you achieve more,” said organiser Annette Salmon.

She said prospective participants have embraced the event, talked about it, have ideas for it and she finds that motivating.

“Their excitement alone encourages me,” she told the

Jamaica Observer.

With only days now to go, Salmon said that interested people can still register because up to 50 women can be accommodated.

A new feature of the event this year is a ‘Start-up Village’ to give six emerging entrepreneurs in the “testing phase” a chance to showcase their products and get feedback.

Salmon, who is also a small business owner, said that schools have been invited to come out for the event at the Manchester High School grounds as it has the potential to guide students into entrepreneurship and other career options.

Gates will open at 11:00 am.

Made in Manchester is being held under the theme “Buy Local, Build Manchester.”

Salmon said the event will also celebrate International Women’s Day, which will be officially marked around the globe three days later on March 8.

— Alicia Sutherland