1 Team 1 Dream Presents: Hands Up Lake County 2024 Business Competition
Hands Up Lake County is a small business competition that encourages and nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit in the community. Selected participants will fine-tune their business ideas and business plans and receive training and follow-up support. Thirteen (13) small businesses will be selected in the Established Business category and seven (7) businesses will be selected in the Startup Business category. All businesses in both categories will compete in a “mini-competition” from which five (5, in the Established Business category) and three (3, in the Startup Category) will be selected to advance to a final competition and a chance to win cash awards totaling $150,000.
There are 4 phases in the small business competition.
- The application Review: In this stage, all applications submitted by the May 31, 2024, deadline are reviewed by the Board of Directors (or a committee thereof) of the non-profit 1Team 1Dream. In 2024, a total of 20 applicants will be selected: 13 in the Established Business Category and 7 in the Startup Business Category. A maximum of 2 co-owners may attend the workshop.
- The workshop/business plan training: In this phase, the 20 selected applicants must attend an in-person 1-day training preparatory to the mini competition. In the training, applicants will learn how to write and present a business plan for the next phase, the mini competition.
- The mini competition: In the mini competition, 3 judges will evaluate the 20 on-stage presentations and select 5 small businesses in the Established Business Category and 3 in the Startup Business Category who will advance to the final competition. A maximum of 2 co-owners may present their presentation.
- The final competition: In the final competition, a new set of judges will evaluate the onstage presentations of the finalists and decide placement. In this phase, all applicants will receive a cash award. The amount received is determined by the judges. A maximum of 2 co-owners may present their presentation.
- Apply here: https://1team1dream.net/hulcform/