Our Message
Small businesses are the bedrock of rural economies; thriving in good times, struggling when disaster strikes – a point brought home in painful and graphic detail during the 2018 fire. We formed 1Team 1Dream with a clear purpose– to support and promote economic growth and stability in Lake County and to provide on-going education and opportunity to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Join us. Help us open doors to resources that will invigorate, educate and promote success through the use of sustainable business practices including modern-day digital tools, marketing strategies, and mentoring support. Collectively we can make a meaningful difference – one small business at a time. We welcome like-minded individuals, businesses, and civic organizations to join our team.
To learn more, please get in touch at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Maryann Schmid
Founder
Olga Martin Steele
Co-Founder
In 2020, we launched our signature project, “Hands Up Lake County”, a business plan competition that tapped the interest of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Lake County. The whole community came together to support the program. Both private companies and the government went above and beyond to support this venture. In 2020 and 2021, we provided a total of $25,000 and $50,000 in cash prizes, respectively.
This 2022, we are poised to do more. The Hands Up Lake County 2022 will be bigger and better with cash prizes amounting to $100,000.
Press
Business competition workshop primes competitors for success
A founding premise of the Hands Up Lake County Business Competition is that small businesses are the backbone of our rural economy.
Annual competition awards $50,000 to local businesses
The finals of Hands Up Lake County 2021 held at Konocti Vista Resort on Sunday where a crowd of over 100 people saw...
Nonprofit to Award $50,000 at Annual Small Business Competition
Five businesses (and one alternate) were selected to advance to the final competition and the chance to win an award totaling $50,000...
Major and Event Sponsors
Our Values
1Team 1Dream is dedicated to a thriving Lake County economy.
Leading Through Innovation
We use modern tools and lead through innovation. A collaborative mindset, purpose driven ideals and a commitment to innovation through specialized training and mentorship can lead to a robust business environment and successful business enterprises.
Pursuing Excellence
1Team 1Dream believes in the pursuit of excellence. The invitation to stretch, to learn, and to improve can be a powerful motivator. An open door, a hand up, the opportunity to excel, and the prospect of a cash boost is a confidence builder – and a formula for success.
Growing By Learning
1Team 1Dream aspires to encourage learning as a life-long pursuit. Through on-going mentorship and training opportunities, small Lake County businesses and budding entrepreneurs can adapt to changing technology and innovations.
Latest News
Business competition workshop primes competitors for success
A founding premise of the Hands Up Lake County Business Competition is that small businesses are the backbone of our rural economy.
Raising the Water Level: How the Hands Up Lake County Competition Has Changed Lake County
Get to know more about the finalists of Hands Up Lake County 2021 and their thoughts on the competition and future of Lake County businesses...
‘Send Rover on Over’ helps reduce impact on area groomers
Local pet groomer, second place winner of business competition plans expansion...
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