Deadline for Hands Up Competition is June 30

A version of this article was first published on Lake County News.

A total of $50,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to five local small businesses that compete in this year’s Hands Up Lake County competition with prizes ranging from $4,000 to $20,000. Startups and small businesses are encouraged to apply.

“It wasn’t always this way and it didn’t happen overnight, the place was in a sad state of disrepair when we discovered it” said Schmid. “We had a dream – a vision and a plan to get there. It took two years of very hard physical labor and sleepless nights filled with the next days work list before we could open for business, but we never gave up. We worked our plan, made adjustments along the way, and today, we are living the dream.” – Maryann Schmid, The Lodge at Blue Lakes Owner & 1Team 1Dream Founder

This is the second year the nonprofit, 1Team 1Dream, has featured the project to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners. The goal of the nonprofit is to improve the struggling Lake County economy, one small business at a time.

“We’re also looking for the business model that takes into account the ups and downs of a sometimes fragile and unpredictable market,” said Laurie Dohring, one of last years judges. “It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t because the businesses selected to proceed will get help.” – Maryann Schmid, The Lodge at Blue Lakes Owner & 1Team 1Dream Founder

Any local start-up or small business is eligible to apply, including last year’s applicants, except the 2020 winners. Apply now!

It All Starts With An Idea. Be The Difference.