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I WAS THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED with the information I got from 100UE’s November 30, 2011, event in Atlanta. Personally knowing someone who received funding from 100UE — Anthony ”A.J.” Joiner of the Weekend Collection — makes this all the more promising, knowing that this type of opportunity can happen to people like me. Most newcomers are so afraid of someone taking their ideas that we often miss the chance to share them with someone in a position to help us take the next step. Sometimes fear may be stronger than faith, but moving forward, I’ll fight tooth and nail not to let that happen. 100 Urban Entrepreneurs is a blessing that words can’t express. — Stargennia “Star” Clark, Atlanta

I JUST WANTED TO TAKE a second to thank everyone on the 100 Urban Entrepreneurs team for all of your hard work in putting together this funding-and-mentoring program. On a recent conference call with others in my entrepreneurs’ group, I was introduced to Eric Anthony Johnson (Javaboi Industries), Teia Harris (Love Publicity) and Mychal Connolly (Stinky Cakes), and I have to say that these are some of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. I can’t get over their energy and enthusiasm, and I feel blessed to have been connected to them through this program. One of the biggest benefits of being involved with 100 Urban Entrepreneurs is simply getting to know one another. Yes, $10,000 in startup financing is a great start and will certainly go far, but these relationships we’re building right now are priceless. — Damone Franklin, Brand Manager, Charlie’s Brownies, Los Angeles

ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010, my life changed in a way I previously only dreamed it could. Earlier, I had written out my business dream and sent it to 100 Urban Entrepreneurs, expecting nothing in return. When I learned I was a semifinalist in the 100UE Atlanta business-pitch event, my heart dropped. It’s funny how things work out: I had been packing to move back home to Memphis; I was shutting down my aspirations of becoming a salon owner. I would hear, “Teya, how are you going to do it?” But I am going to do it. I can’t think of anything else. I’m so excited and now have the confidence to keep pushing, and I owe it all to you and the 100UE family. Anything is possible. Words can’t express how thankful I am. — Teya Lucas, Atlanta

I’D LIKE TO TAKE THE TIME to express my gratitude — I can’t begin to tell you the peace of mind I’ve obtained now that I’m thoroughly convinced that I’m surrounded by a group of individuals who really understand the core of entrepreneurship. “Like-minded” is an understatement. If there’s anything I can do to add value to your lives in exchange for business knowledge and guidance, please don’t hesitate to send a request my way. — Eric Anthony Johnson, Founder and CEO, Javaboi Industries, Los Angeles

I MET THE 100 URBAN ENTREPRENEURS TEAM at the recent business-pitch event in Atlanta. I’m an urban clothing designer specializing in athletic wear, eyewear, custom T-shirts and paintings; my target market is 18-to-25-year-olds. Additionally, I offer stylist services, working with clients to establish their own brand. I want to allow others the opportunity to grow. Eventually I’d like to turn one of my stores into a youth center so children can have a place to come. I want to set up programs to teach children about their creative side so they know how to express themselves in means other than violence. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me; our discussion was very informative! — Marques Wilson, Original Frost Collection, Atlanta

HAYAH MINERAL COSMETICS had its best year yet in 2010, and that was due, in part, to 100 Urban Entrepreneurs. We’ve been grinding so hard to build our business, and have sacrificed a great deal. But now, as part of this life-changing funding-and-mentoring program, we no longer have to stress. Now somebody outside of ourselves has our backs and cares about our success. That there is an entire team of people willing to put their names, reputations and money on the line to back up the dreams of little-known business owners. . . . We are so grateful. This deserves some shine! — Darrius and Meagan Peace, cofounders, Hayah Mineral Cosmetics, Birmingham, Alabama

TODAY’S BUSINESS-PITCH EVENT was well-organized, and run as professionally as any competition I’ve seen. Please extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of your team. Six of my clients participated in today’s event; I felt as though I had contributed something of real value to them by sharing the 100 Urban Entrepreneurs opportunity, and their expression of thanks was an affirmation that my efforts were worthwhile. Today, for that reason, has become a memory I’ll treasure. I’m confident that this day has been a life-changing moment for all who participated — especially the three very worthy entrepreneurs who were selected to receive $10,000 in funding and mentoring. — Terry Sullivan, TMS Consulting, Atlanta

I’M ETERNALLY GRATEFUL for the opportunity to be part of something magical, inspiring and transformational. The $10,000 and the mentoring are the “hook,” but the real reward is learning we’re all far greater than we could have imagined. I pray continued success for each of the funded entrepreneurs, and I encourage us all to dream big, stay focused and remain positive. Finally, I’m thankful for 100 Urban Entrepreneurs’ mentors: Thank you for your time and for being a catalyst. Continued blessings to you all. — Katrina M. Harrell, founder, Your Simple Bookkeeper, Raleigh, North Carolina

KUDOS FOR A GREAT PROGRAM with mentors who are informative and knowledgeable on so many levels. My mentoring session with Debrena Jackson-Gandy was powerful and insightful — she gave me solid information on how to move my brand forward, and her expertise about my industry made for a great session. Thank you again for this opportunity. — Cameka Smith, founder, The BOSS Network, Chicago