From Ashes, We Rise
Lake County has always been a place of grit and heart. When devastating fires swept through, businesses were reduced to ashes, and dreams felt out of reach. Yet even in loss, a vision to rebuild emerged. Not just businesses, but hope itself. Out of tragedy, 1Team 1Dream was born.
In 2020, that vision became reality with Hands Up Lake County. More than a competition, it became a catalyst for change. Local dreamers stepped forward with courage, fueled by determination. With mentorship, training, and support, their visions grew into thriving realities.
The impact was undeniable:
- 200+ entrepreneurs applied
- 36 winners and awardees
- Over $450,000 in cash prizes distributed
- Countless lives, families, and communities uplifted
But this is only the beginning.
A New Chapter of Flavor and Community
Today, the story continues with Lake County Taste Makers. Just as Hands Up opened doors for small businesses, Taste Makers now shines a spotlight on food and beverage entrepreneurs—the ones shaping our community’s next chapter.
This isn’t just a competition. It’s an invitation to join a movement of resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Building on past successes, this program now focuses on food and beverage. Because food is culture, community, and opportunity.
With mentorship, workshops, and $70,000 in cash prizes, Taste Makers will empower local entrepreneurs to share Lake County’s unique flavors with the world.
What We Stand For
Our story has always been about people—dreamers who take risks, creators who imagine new possibilities, and a community that believes in growing together. From Hands Up to Taste Makers, we carry forward a spirit of resilience and innovation, building a thriving Lake County through every business launched, every meal shared, and every dream pursued.
