10 Finalists Announced for The Big Idea at NOEW

The 9th annual New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) kicks off this Sunday (March 19) and is host to more than 100 entrepreneurial events throughout the week. Each year, NOEW culminates at The Big Idea, a crowd-driven pitch competition with major cash up for grabs.

Through a nola.com poll, the community voted for their favorite startups, narrowing the 20 semi-finalists down to the 10 who will vie for $25,000 in cash and services during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week at the main event on March 24. One entrepreneur will also walk away with a $30,000 marketing package from Peter Mayer.

The 10 startups with the most votes include:

1. Bagel Boy (1,133 votes)
2. Ready Responders (914)
3. Magic Bank (866)
4. VR Arcade NOLA (817)
5. FollowMyCal (794)
6. Culture Chest (626)
7. The Host (556)
8. Saint Hugh (478)
9. Realized Designs Projects (473)
10. CapWay (471)

At The Big Idea, attendees can purchase voting chips valued at $25 and invest in their favorite startup. The chips represent real money so all the entrepreneurs take home the cash value of chips received. The three startups with the most chips will advance to pitch on stage for the grand prize.

For more information or to register, visit noew.org.