How the Taste Makers Program Works

Whether you’re carrying on a family recipe or launching a bold new concept, this program gives you the mentorship, training, and tools to grow.

Participants don’t just compete for prizes. They walk away with real skills, industry connections, and community recognition. By applying, you’ll gain the confidence and resources to turn your vision into impact.

Who Should Apply

Chefs • Bakers • Food truck owners • Caterers • Small-batch/packaged goods makers • Beverage creators • Farmers with value-added products • Restaurant/startup teams

What the Journey Looks Like

Custom Flip Grid
APPLICATION REVIEW
We select bold and creative food and beverage ideas that stand out and show promise.
1-DAY WORKSHOP
Semi-finalists receive hands-on training in branding, financial planning, and entrepreneurship.
MINI COMPETITION
Participants pitch their concepts to judges, showcasing their story, flavor, and potential.
INTERNSHIP WITH PAST WINNERS
Finalists gain real-world experience by working alongside Lake County food and beverage entrepreneurs.
PITCH LAB
Finalists refine their business plans and sharpen their presentations.
FINAL COMPETITION & GALA
The spotlight shines on Lake County’s brightest Taste Makers, where winners are crowned and the community celebrates their journey.

What We Value in Every Taste Maker

Originality:
Fresh ideas that stand out and bring something new to Lake County’s table.

Marketing & Sales Strategy:
A clear understanding of your customers and how you’ll reach them.

Market Niche:
A unique story, product, or need your business fills in the local food scene.

Resilience:
The ability to adapt, persevere, and thrive despite challenges.

Business Viability:
A sustainable path to growth with realistic operations and financials.

Growth Potential:
A concept that can expand, scale, and inspire long-term impact.

Creativity & Clarity:
A compelling pitch that sparks imagination and paints a vision for the next 3–5 years.

Prize Utilization:
A clear plan for how the award will fuel your business growth and community impact.

Every idea is given the same careful consideration, with one goal in mind: to support the future of Lake County’s culinary community.

What You Need to Know

Applications are open January 15, 2026 – April 15, 2026 11 PM PST. Be sure to apply early. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Applicants must live or operate in Lake County and must apply as either a food and beverage startup or an established food and beverage business.

Applications must be clear, complete, and responsive to all questions and requirements.

Timely responses to 1Team 1Dream are expected throughout the process.

Timeline

What You’ll Gain

Mentorship

1:1 guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders

Training

Practical workshops on branding, finance, and operations

Pitch Practice

Expert feedback to sharpen your business story

Real-World Experience

Shadow past winners and see how they operate

Visibility

Community recognition and a spotlight at the final gala

Prizes & Opportunities

Awards plus connections that open doors

Innovation Advisory Team

Nic and Mayra Lam​

Lam Printing

Jennifer Gayda

Bottlerock Candle Studio

Eric and Krystal Purkhiser

Eric’s Oil Change and Repairs

Denisse Herrera

La Chilanguita Mexican Restaurant

Hannah Lee

Konocti Bicycles