Calling all junior Thomas Edisons and Steve Jobses! With a little luck, some hard work and perspiration, your idea could turn into millions of dollars.

Better still, Natchez Inc. and Alcorn State University want to help you realize your business dreams.

Next weekend, the two entities will come together to host Startup Weekend Natchez. The concept is similar to the popular ABC television show titled “Shark Tank.”

Participants in Startup Weekend Natchez will take their ideas for businesses and hone those ideas into polished business models with the help of professional business leaders.

By the end of the weekend, the business ideas will be presented to a group of investors who may opt to invest in the businesses.

The whole idea is to bolster the local and regional economy by fostering more entrepreneurship.

Many, many of America’s most successful business empires began with just an enthusiastic person with an idea for a business.

The absolute best way for America to grow its economy again is by going back to the basics, small, entrepreneurial businesses.

If you or someone you know has an idea — no matter how crazy or wild it may seem, we hope you’ll consider attending Startup Weekend Natchez. For more information visit: natchez.startupweekend.org.

Remember, the only crazy dream is the one never realized or fully considered.