I was thrilled when Sante Antonelli, Business Services Director at QEDC, invited me to participate as a judge in this year’s Queens StartUP! business plan competition. I love reading plans and hearing the new ideas that today’s entrepreneurs are undertaking. 9 semifinalists across 3 categories (community, innovation and food) competed yesterday at NYDesigns to win $10,000 to help take their business to the next level. We had a tough time selecting the winners as all entrepreneurs and ideas were stellar in their own ways. Winners will be announced at the Queens StartUP! awards ceremony on May 12.