Brett Wilson launches aboriginal entrepreneur challenge

Saskatchewan-born businessman W. Brett Wilson is teaming up with CBC to host the Boom Box — a program where young aboriginal entrepreneurs get to pitch their ideas.

Wilson was born in North Battleford, made his fortune in the oil and gas industry, and became a TV personality as a panelist on Dragons' Den.

He says the sky's the limit when it comes to pitching a great idea, although being a successful entrepreneur takes special qualities.

"There's lots of people who know that they can make it.  The challenge is can they sell it?  That makes it a product.  And can they sell it profitably? That makes it a business," he said.

The top five ideas will be pitched to Wilson in person next month

Three will win money (the top prizes are $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000) to take their idea to the next level, plus three months of mentoring from a local business person in Saskatchewan.

Applicants are asked to submit a two-to-four minute video.

The deadline for applying is March 31, 2012.