Anyone with a brilliant idea to take on the likes of Uber, Airbnb and WhatsApp can pitch to global, national and local business leaders at Regional Pitchfest at the Wagga Civic Theatre on June 29.

Wagga’s own version of Shark Tank will be the first of its kind for regional Australia, embracing the government’s new “ideas boom” at a grass-roots level.

A Wagga businesswoman who created an app allowing people to pre-order coffee from their favourite cafe via mobile phone, Simone Eyles, was excited at the prospect of unearthing the next big business idea.

“There are so many highly skilled, well-educated, well-traveled people returning home to Wagga with young families - but no jobs,” Ms Eyles said.

“Now anyone with a great idea can create their own business and employ people who may have had to travel to the city for work 15 years ago.

“These days you can launch and run a global tech company from your smart phone, anywhere in the world.”

Ms Eyles said unearthing Wagga’s entrepreneurs would stimulate growth in the local economy and ease the national reliance on a rapidly dwindling mining boom.

“All people need is a simple problem solution, which we can help gain some traction,” she said.

“You don’t need to start with massive investment, you can start small with what you’ve got.

“On the back of the government’s innovation statement, and especially now that the mining boom is over, we need to harness a new wave of opportunities to create jobs."

Budding contestant Sally Cannon will lift the lid on two business ideas she has been keeping a closely guarded secret.

“These ideas are hush-hush for now, but I’ll be pitching a phone app trivia game that keeps you alert while driving and a toilet training device for toddlers,” she said.

“I’ve never started my own business, but I’m both daunted and excited to pitch these products to business experts.”

The event will see people take the stage to pitch for a share of $10,000 to help them get their idea off the ground.

More information at regionalpitchfest.com.au.