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 following numerous fires in Lake County. 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 – several businesses 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
1
COMMUNITY
4
YEARS
5
BUSINESS COMPETITIONS
307
APPLICANTS
28
WINNERS & AWARDEES
434K
IN CASH PRIZES
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, 2021, 2022, and 2023, we provided a total of $28,000, $50,000, $100,000, and $120,000 in cash prizes, respectively.
This 2024, we are poised to do more. It will be bigger and better with cash prizes amounting to $150,000.
Press
Rocking the rolled ice cream life
Lake County welcomed its first rolled ice cream shop called Rock n’ Rolled Ice Cream located at 19851 Hartman Road in the...
Local businesses speak about participating in competition
The 1Team1Dream non-profit organization held its Third Annual Hands Up Lake County Competition, raising the cash prizes from $50,000 to $100,000 and also creating a...
Peace and Plenty Farms takes top prize in annual business competition
A founding premise of the Hands Up Lake County Business Competition is that small businesses are the backbone of our rural economy.
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. 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
Banner Year for Small Business Competition – $150,000 to be Awarded
Self-starters with vision drive Lake County’s economic engine At the outset of this year’s Hands Up Lake County Business Competition its goal was clear, to generate action and results. And it was no surprise the fourth Gala was the most successful busin…
2023 Established Business Category Winner: Daniel Tyrrell’s Remarks
Explore Daniel Tyrrell's remarkable experience as the 2023 Established Business Category Winner, gaining valuable insights on small business success in Lake County's Hands Up Competition. Discover the impact of this competition on his martial arts studio and the community it serves.
Self-starters with vision drive Lake County’s economic engine
Self-starters with vision drive Lake County’s economic engine At the outset of this year’s Hands Up Lake County Business Competition its goal was clear, to generate action and results. And it was no surprise the fourth Gala was the most successful busin…
English
Spanish