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William McNeely: A Champion for Young Entrepreneurs in Charlotte

Update William McNeely: A Beacon for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Whether surrounded by the rejuvenating chaos of construction or engaging the minds of young creatives, William McNeely radiates a hopefulness that inspires a new generation of Charlotteans. As the founder of Do Greater, a nonprofit aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of underserved teens, McNeely embodies resilience and innovation. In a testament to his spirit, McNeely has rebounded from a double lung transplant to lead the way for an exciting project—the Creative Lab Uptown. This ambitious initiative will soon transform a historic building on North Tryon Street into a hub for learning and creativity. Here, young minds will not only learn practical skills in photography, DJing, and other areas, but they will also embrace vital concepts like critical thinking and problem-solving. The Evolution of a Visionary McNeely’s journey has not been without challenges. After a successful career at Apple, where he championed educational technology, he was struck by a harsh diagnosis—idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This life-altering condition served as a catalyst for change, pushing him to establish Do Greater in 2017 as he sought to enhance economic mobility for Charlotte's youth. “Having faced adversity, I understand the power of access and opportunity,” says McNeely. His earlier experience with the busing system in his youth opened his eyes to different life possibilities, a realization that strongly influences his work today. The impending opening of Creative Lab Uptown—set to feature innovative spaces like a podcast studio and a cozy coffee shop that doubles as a job site for young workers—represents his commitment to intertwining education with professional opportunities. A Hub of Creativity The Creative Lab Uptown is more than just a location; it’s a hopeful crossroads. Designed to foster collaboration between local entrepreneurs and aspiring creatives, the facility will host classes, workshops, and even small businesses with diverse offerings. “We want to create a space where young entrepreneurs can learn directly from those already in the game,” McNeely elaborates, pointing to the thoughtfully designed spaces planned for art, technology, and business cultivation. A Community Transforming Together Beyond the architectural vision, McNeely has been strategically planning his capital campaign—which aims to raise $5 million—to support this dream. Thanks to a second-place finish in a recent revitalization contest, his team gained seed funding to help ignite this transformative project. Yet, it’s not just about money; it’s about connection. Collaborations with local sponsors and partners are crucial. “Our relationships will be the backbone of this project,” he emphasizes. By orchestrating interactions between students and seasoned professionals, McNeely is actively working to break down barriers and build a vibrant community. The Ripple Effect of Passion What McNeely is doing transcends a local initiative. He is pushing forth a message of possibility, resilience, and community engagement that resonates beyond Charlotte. “Each kid we empower through Do Greater is one more step toward reversing years of neglect in underprivileged neighborhoods,” he notes, advocating for a collective movement that champions creativity and financial independence. As the grand opening approaches, there is a notable excitement in the air. The success of the Creative Lab Uptown stands to redefine how these young individuals view their futures—transforming obstacles into opportunities, and dreams into realities. Join the Movement, Create Change As Charlotte warms up for this thrilling evolution, there’s a collective call to action: support local initiatives like Do Greater. Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, each contribution counts. Together, we can ignite a passion for entrepreneurship that lights the path for future Charlotte leaders.