The Final Event of Hands Up Lake County

A version of this article was first published on Lake County Record-Bee.

Hands Up Lake County, a local first, is a project of the recently formed non-profit, 1Team 1Dream. The business competition initially attracted 36 businesses. Fifteen made it to the second phase, a one-day business plan training and mini-competition where organizers said the judges “made a very tough choice.”

The business competition will be staged at the Soper Reese Theatre, the program will be streamed live, beginning at 1:45 pm at the Facebook site referenced above.

Organizers noted that a special “Fan Favorite” prize will also be awarded and announced at the business competition. Anyone can participate in selecting their favorite business. To vote for one of the six finalists, visit 1Team 1Dream’s Facebook page.

In addition to the $15,000 prize, five prizes ranging from $5,000 to $1,000 will be awarded. The 2nd prize of $5,000 is sponsored by First Community Bank; the 3rd prize of $3,000 is sponsored by Savings Bank of Mendocino; the 4th and 5th prizes, $1,500 and $1,000, respectively, are sponsored by the City of Lakeport; a special 6th prize of $2,500 will go to a Lakeport business. The premier sponsor, The Lodge at Blue Lakes matched each prize and sponsored the 6th prize. A total of $28,000 in cash will be awarded.

Each business will pitch their business plan to a panel of distinguished business and community leaders who will serve as Judges.

Founder Maryann Schmid praised all the sponsors, a total of 21, for supporting the project, including the major event sponsor, August Schmitt of August Schmitt Realty Solutions who donated $6,000.

The mission of 1Team 1Dream is to support and promote economic resiliency in Lake County. The goal of Hands Up Lake County is to reinforce the idea that if you hold on to your dreams, you can make it.