The Pick has plenty of ideas to choose from

Kayla Tattley says Northland is awash with innovative business ideas.

A new system for growing oysters and alternative options for after death care are amongst the innovative ideas that have been selected as finalists in Northland's first entrepreneur competition, The Pick 2017.

Organiser Kayla Tattley said the judges were excited by the depth and range of novel ideas submitted.

The competition, run by The Orchard Business and Events Hub in Whangarei and supported by Northland Inc, was designed to encourage budding Northland entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to a panel of business experts in a bid to turn their dreams into reality, in the categories of youth (under 25), Maori and open in a range of business sectors including rural, health and wellbeing, food and beverage, and tourism.

Twenty finalists and two wild cards were chosen from 147 submissions received from Mangawhai to Kaitaia to go through to Stage II.

They will be supported by mentors and start-up workshops until November 29, when they will pitch their ideas to a panel of business experts, including Dr Colin Kennedy (Young Enterprise Scheme) and Northland Chamber of Commerce CEO Tony Collins.

"The judges certainly had their work cut out for them, given the high calibre and number of responses. It clearly demonstrates that business innovation is thriving in our community," Ms Tattley said.

"This competition brings to the surface dedicated local entrepreneurs, and enables us to pair them with the tools, resources and expertise needed to take their start-up from concept through to application," she said.

"Opportunities like this are few and far between," said finalist Shaun Gregory, who has an idea for developing a new way of growing oysters.

Five winners, who will be announced in December, will receive business support packages to kick start their new ventures.

All 22 finalists have been invited to showcase their ideas at the Whangarei A&P show in December.