LAKEPORT >> The 1 Team 1 Dream project arose out of a long recession and years of catastrophic wildfires that devastated entire businesses and communities, but Lake County rose to meet the challenges with dedication to not only rebuild but improve the local economy several businesses at a time.
Hands up Lake County is the unique pet project of 1Team 1 Dream, now in its fifth year. It was founded by Maryann Schmid, longtime owner of the Lodge at Blue Lakes, who with her husband, rehabilitated the iconic resort. She was helped in this effort by co-founder Olga Martin Steele. For the prior four years the unique entrepreneurial competition sought to build a network of prevailing through economic bear and bull markets. “We promote business models that incorporate sound business and financial planning, savvy management practices and state-of-the-art marketing strategies,” said Martin Steele.
Small businesses are the heart, soul and bedrock of the rural economy noted 1Team 1 Dream. Recently, the competition field was culled from 79 applicants to a pool of 20. The 20 competitors advanced to an all-day training session at Lakeport City Hall chambers on June 29, to learn how to produce a business plan and assist them to do a mini competition. This event will occur also at city hall chambers for a full day’s competition on Saturday, July 27, 2024. “Everybody makes a Power Pont presentation and makes an earnest pitch, why they should go to the finals,” said Martin Steele.
A panel of three judges will then select eight out of the 20 who should advance to the final competition at the Soper Reese Theater on Sunday, October 6, where they will make fresh presentations before an all-new panel of three judges. Total awards for 2024 have been boosted to $150,000. There are two categories, beginning with the Start-Up firms who have up to one year in business. Then, there are the established businesses, who desire to grow their business to another level. The day of both the mini-competition and the finals is when competitors meet the judges for the first time. “In 2023, we awarded team prizes, but we dropped that to devote the entire funds to the eight finalists, and we did a Founders’ Choice one year but we change a little each year,” she added.
Established business’ first prize will $40,000 this year. This category’s second prize is $20,000 each, with two winners. Third prize is $15,000 each, two winners. For the Start Up, the first prize is $15,000. Second prize is $10,000 each, also two winners. And there is a fan favorite bonus prize of $1,000. This prize will not necessarily go to the judges’ selection, however, last year’s established business finalist, Daniel Alan Tyrrell did win both.
As of last year, there have been 161 small businesses which have been supported through training, marketing and a vigorous social media campaign and/or cash awards, pointed out Steel Martin. “We thank our sponsors, we are helping the local economy to grow a few small businesses at a time,” she stressed.
This event helps Lake County open doors to resources noted Martin Steele. “It shall invigorate, educate and promote success through the use of sustainable business practices including modern-day digital tools, marketing strategies, and mentoring support,” she said. “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.”
