Orange’s innovators and small businesses are invited to pitch for $100,000 in prizes to help turn the idea into reality.

Founder Dianna Sommerville aims to give regional businesses a platform to launch new ideas.

“Last year I set out to help one regional community – my home town of Wagga Wagga – by giving them a platform to launch their great and innovative ideas,” Ms Sommerville said.

“I keep pinching myself every day that just eight months later, thanks to the incredible support of Australia Post, people from all regional communities across Australia will now get this same amazing opportunity.”

Finalists get help with experts providing mentoring to refine their idea, before appearing on stage in front of judges and the public.

“Australia Post Regional Pitchfest is all about unearthing the next big business idea from regional Australia,” Australia Post’s small business manager Rebecca Burrows said.

“The first ever winner was a 13-year-old high school student, so it’s okay if your idea is not yet a business and you don’t need an MBA to enter – just a great idea and the ability to sell it,” Mrs Burrows said.

Applications are open until April 28 and are available from www.regionalpitchfest.com.