HANDS UP LAKE COUNTY
Competition to distribute $85,000 in prize money to boost small businesses
LAKE COUNTY >> Continuing its mission to develop and support small businesses, The Hands Up Lake County Small Business Competition has announced an increase in prize money from $50,000 in 2021 to $85,000 in 2022. In addition, they have created a new category, Best Startup Business, with a $10,000 prize awarded to an exclusively new business idea.
The competition is part of Maryann Schmid and Olga Martin Steele's vision to develop strong, local businesses in rural Lake County, California. “We are working to raise the economic water level of the county,” Olga Steele says. “When we have a good foundation of small businesses, it spreads to the entire community.”
“We're pleased to support last year's 5th prize winner, Ashely Ruth Garrigus, who has announced the grand opening of her business, Wild Hope Bakery,” said Maryann Schmid. “Be sure to visit her bakery at 21037 Calistoga Rd No. 9 in Middletown, CA. She will be open from 7 am to 4 pm.”
Garrigus stands just inside the doors of her new storefront. A bright wall, hand painted with flowers, rises to her left, the bakery counter just behind her. And, in the back, hidden by wooden barn doors, is the kitchen where she makes her magic. Professionally trained at Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco, she knows how to create delectable, one-of-a-kind desserts. And her winnings helped her make her dream a reality. “One hundred percent of the money I won went into this space,” she says with a smile.
The competition helped her immensely. “I didn't know much going into it,' she says. “But the lessons I learned were invaluable.” Her advice to anyone interested in the competition? “Go for it. Don't hesitate to enter because anything you gain will be valuable.”
“The Hands Up Lake County Competition is an
amazing program,” Katherine Ann Reese, owner of Reese Ranch Retreat and $20,000 first-prize winner of the 2021 competition, states. “And not just for businesses, but also for the whole area. They help people dream big and then train them to go for it.”
Even though the prizes are generous, the competition focuses on more than just awards. Each contestant will attend a one-day training to help develop a business plan covering their mission statement, financials, market, long-range goals, business management, and viability. Those selected from the initial pool will present their business plan to a panel of judges who will determine the winners.
“The competition was an amazing experience and journey for me,” says Valerie Ann Stallings, owner of Send Rover on Over and $10,000 secondplace winner as well as the winner of the Fan Favorite Award. “It's amazing how they help small businesses and lift them up.”
The application deadline is June 30, 2022. To apply, visit the 1 Team, 1 Dream website. For more information, fill out the contact form or Contact Olga Steele at 916-8498170.