VISITORS were today pouring in to York Racecourse for Venturefest Yorkshire with hopes that the tally would exceed 2,000 achieved over the last two years.

The annual showcase of business talent, which brings together entrepreneurs and investors, features 46 stands, with 36 exhibitors in its Innovation Showcase competition, competing for £15,000-worth of business support.

On view is a programme of support for entrepreneurs young and old – from the Enterprise Inspirations area, which showcases the entrepreneurial efforts of the region’s under 15s to the investment competition in which nine young companies battle it out to win a support package worth £30,000.

Among the many events is The Big Debate in the racecourse’s Voltigeur Suite, chaired by Steve Hughes, managing editor of The Press, where the new North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership will be discussed.

Winners will be nnounced at a gala dinner this evening.

• Visit The Press team at stand 24 to see how we can help with your marketing and/or a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to York Races.

To stay up to the minute on Venturefest news, follow @yorkbusiness on twitter.

We will be using the hashtag #venturefest so log on for regular updates.