100UE in New Orleans: Worth a Thousand Words

^ Supreme Arbiters: The three judges for 100UE’s New Orleans pitch event — (from left) 100UE cofounder Magnus Greaves; Seedco financial-program manager Myla Reese; and Mark Quinn, assistant professor of entrepreneurship at Xavier University of Louisiana, where the July 20, 2011, event was held — size up the contestants.

^ The Pause That Refreshes: Syndicated TV host Shannon Lanier, who emceed the event, takes a break. Hey, this is New Orleans — what exactly is in that cup, Shannon?

^ Starting Lineup: Lanier (left) sizes up the contestants before the pitch event begins.

^ The Hard Sell: One of New Orleans’s top young entrepreneurs makes his best case for his business to the three judges.

^ The Thrill of Victory: Don Harding Jr., of Harvey, Louisiana–based Cool Fruit Sensations, exults upon learning he’s been given $10,000 in startup financing and admission to 100UE’s eight-week business-mentoring program.

^ Speechless: Lanier offers Harding the mic; Harding revels in the moment.

^ Afterglow: Harding, post-triumph, with judges Reese and Quinn.