Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs
Do Greater, Inc. is a Charlotte, NC non-profit that runs physical creative and entrepreneurship hubs — Sparkhouse West, Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown, and a Mobile CRTVLab — providing underserved middle and high school students with access to technology, design studios, and programs in entrepreneurship, DJing, AI, and creative arts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersCharlotte, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs does
Do Greater, Inc. is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2019 by William "Coach Mac" McNeely, a former Apple Market Development Executive, that operates a network of physical creative and entrepreneurship hubs for underserved youth in grades 7–12. Its core infrastructure is anchored by two complementary physical spaces: Sparkhouse West, an 8,000 sq. ft. hub on the lower level of Shiloh Institutional Baptist Church in Charlotte's westside, and the newly opened (mid-2026) Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown, a 20,000 sq. ft. innovation hub inside a historic 1921 automobile showroom at 500 N. Tryon Street. Both spaces are equipped with design studios (music production, video production, photography, podcast), a TechHub with 3D printers, prototyping tools, and cutting machines, and a Maker Space. A Mobile CRTVLab — a converted Lance cookie truck that brings technology programming directly to middle and high schools — extends the footprint beyond fixed locations.
The organization runs structured programs including Start Upward (a free 10-week entrepreneurship after-school program), the Art of DJing (with Backspinz), Designathon 'Code the City' (a two-day AI prompting and design-thinking hackathon), and a summer camp portfolio comprising Design to Dollars Art Camp, Camp Playmaker (game design), Project Pipeline (architectural design), and the Creative Summer Film Tour. The Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown space adds an Entrepreneurial Support Center, a Screen Printing Hub, and Sparkhouse Coffee — a youth-powered non-profit coffee shop whose proceeds flow back into programs.
Monetization is multi-stream and donation-led: PayPal and broader fundraising, corporate sponsorships (notably Novant Health), grants and microgrants (including the Youth Impact Fund with My Brother's Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg), modest program fees with financial aid scholarships, space rentals and coworking memberships, and coffee/screen-printing proceeds. The organization is founder-led, independently operated, and operates exclusively in the Charlotte metro area, with no disclosed headcount, fundraising totals, or financial statements.
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs
- Legal name
- Do Greater, Inc.
- Website
- https://dogreater.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Do Greater, Inc. is a Charlotte, NC non-profit that runs physical creative and entrepreneurship hubs — Sparkhouse West, Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown, and a Mobile CRTVLab — providing underserved middle and high school students with access to technology, design studios, and programs in entrepreneurship, DJing, AI, and creative arts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Education and Community Creative Programs
- NAICS
- Fine Arts Schools (611610), Fine Arts Schools (61161), Sound Recording Studios (512240)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG), Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC), 3D Printing, CAD & Digital Fabrication Programs (EDAMADAH), STEM & Maker Education (Makerspaces, Coding Clubs, Robotics) (EDAAAFAL)
Keywords
Where Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Charlotte
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: The organization accepts donations via PayPal and other channels to support programs for underserved youth.
- Program Fees (with Financial Aid): Some programs like Design to Dollars, Film Tour, Camp Playmaker, and Project Pipeline charge registration fees. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who cannot pay.
- Sparkhouse Coffee Proceeds: Non-profit coffee shop at Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown where all proceeds benefit programs.
- Space Rentals and Memberships: CRTVLab space rental for events, memberships for coworking, and meeting/event bookings at Sparkhouse facilities.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Capital partners and community sponsors invest in the organization. The building is owned and supported by former Mayor Harvey Gantt.
- Grants and Microgrants: Youth Impact Fund is a microgrant program in partnership with My Brother's Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg, with over $18,000 invested across five projects.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time | Design to Dollars Art Camp - Hands-on camp where students create sellable products |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Creative Summer Film Tour - Film Production or Performance & Acting tracks |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Camp Playmaker - Game design camp |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Project Pipeline - Architectural design camp |
| Freemium | One time | Start Upward - Free entrepreneurship after-school program |
| Freemium | One time | Design-a-thon - Weekend design thinking event |
| Other | One time | Art of DJing - DJ training program |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Do Greater, Inc. is a Charlotte, NC non-profit that operates physical creative hubs (Sparkhouse West and Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown) equipped with design studios, TechHub prototyping tools, 3D printers, cutting machines, and a Creative Digital Studio for underserved middle and high school youth. It delivers structured programs including entrepreneurship training (Start Upward), Art of DJing, weekend Designathons, and four summer camps, supplemented by a Mobile CRTVLab that brings technology classrooms directly to schools.
Product overview
Do Greater, Inc. (operating as DG Creative Labs/Sparkhouse Charlotte) is a non-profit that provides a multi-space creative and entrepreneurship ecosystem for underserved youth in Charlotte, NC. The core offering consists of physical creative hubs—Sparkhouse West (8,000 sq. ft.) and Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown (20,000 sq. ft.)—equipped with technology studios (music production, video, photography, podcast), a TechHub with prototyping tools and 3D printers, a Maker Space, and a Creative Digital Studio. These spaces are augmented by the Mobile CRTVLab, a technology classroom on wheels serving schools directly. The organization runs structured programs including Start Upward (entrepreneurship training), Art of DJing, Designathon, and four summer camps (Design to Dollars Art Camp, Camp Playmaker Game Design, Project Pipeline Architectural Design, and Creative Summer Film Tour). Supporting amenities include Sparkhouse Coffee (a non-profit coffee shop) and an Entrepreneurial Support Center. The Innovation & Tech Lab within Sparkhouse Charlotte introduces youth to AI and emerging technologies. The organization connects youth from underestimated neighborhoods to mentors, innovators, and industries to build creative confidence and economic mobility.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Sparkhouse Charlotte (Uptown) 20,000 sq. ft. innovation and entrepreneurship hub at 500 North Tryon Street in a historic 1921 automobile showroom, featuring an Innovation & Tech Lab, Creative Digital Studio, Entrepreneurial Support Center, Maker Space, Screen Printing Hub, City Showroom, and a youth-powered coffee shop; connects Uptown economic power with under-resourced communities.
- Sparkhouse West 8,000 sq. ft. innovation and creativity hub at 2400 Greenland Avenue for underserved youth, with four design studios (music production, video production, photography, podcast), a TechHub with prototyping tools, 3D printers and cutting machines, and coworking space.
- Mobile CRTVLab A former Lance cookie truck converted into a mobile technology classroom providing free education services to middle and high schools on Charlotte's westside and community events; bookings via [email protected].
- Sparkhouse Coffee Non-profit coffee shop located in Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown, open Monday-Friday 8am-3pm; all proceeds benefit Do Greater programs and provide real-world business experience for youth.
- Start Upward Free 10-week entrepreneurship after-school program for middle and high school students; teaches teens to generate, test, and launch business ideas, with sessions from local entrepreneurs.
- Art of DJing DJ training program in partnership with Backspinz teaching DJ fundamentals, history, technical skills, and the business side of DJing with hands-on experience from guest DJs; contact [email protected].
- Designathon (Code the City) Two-day weekend design thinking challenge for high school students in Charlotte where teens use AI prompting and vibe coding to build interactive prototypes solving Charlotte youth community challenges, with industry mentors; free to participate.
- Design to Dollars Art Camp Hands-on summer camp (June 21-26, 9am-4pm) for rising 7-10 graders where students explore digital design programs, create custom sellable products, and develop entrepreneurial skills, culminating in a Pop-Up Market; partnership with Arts+; financial aid available.
- Camp Playmaker (Game Design) Three-week game design camp (July 6-24) for rising 7-12 graders where students design, prototype, and playtest their own physical game; led by Calvin Robertson of Jubileague; registration via Luma platform.
- Project Pipeline (Architectural Design Camp) Architectural design summer camp (July 21-25) where students design and model architecture projects using everyday objects, culminating in presentations to families; $50 registration fee includes lunch and snacks.
- Creative Summer Film Tour Four-week film summer camp (July 6-31, 9am-1pm) for students ages 13-18 with two tracks (Film Production or Performance & Acting); $25 registration fee; final projects debut at the On The Rise Student Film Festival; partnership with Creative Cornerstone NC and Independent Picture House.
Quantifiable outcome
- 20 teens participated in inaugural Design-a-thon with mentorship from creative professionals
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature4 records
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Novant HealthcorePresenting sponsor of 'Novant Health Presents: Symphony at Sparkhouse' - a community celebration partnership with Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Novant Health provided health screenings and wellness resources at the event. A powerful reminder that health is about connection as much as care.
- Charlotte Symphony OrchestracorePartnered with Do Greater Charlotte and Novant Health for Symphony at Sparkhouse event at Sparkhouse West. Live symphonic music performed for community celebration showcasing youth creativity and entrepreneurial talent.
- B.E.A.M. FoundationmajorSponsors Alpha Beautillion program along with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Program prepares students for college, secures scholarship funding, and presents them to the community at a formal gala. Do Greater student Aaron Anderson won the 2025 Oratorical Competition through this program.
- My Brother's Keeper Charlotte-MecklenburgmajorCo-partner with Do Greater Charlotte on Youth Impact Fund, a microgrant program empowering Charlotte youth to create positive change in their communities. Initial investment of over $18,000 across five Youth Impact Fund projects.
- BackspinzminorPartnership with Do Greater Charlotte to bring The Art of DJing program. Learn DJ skills, history, technical and business side of DJing. Guest DJs provide hands-on experience and practical perspectives.
- Shiloh Institutional Baptist ChurchcoreHouses Sparkhouse West in its bottom level. Located at 2400 Greenland Ave, Charlotte. 4-year partnership enabling creative space for underserved youth.
- Arts+, Independent Picture House, Creative Cornerstone NCminorPartner organizations for summer camp programs. Design to Dollars via Arts+, Film Tour via Creative Cornerstone NC (with final screening at Independent Picture House).
- JubileagueminorIndependent studio founded by Calvin Robertson, specializing in designing, developing, and publishing original mobile gaming experiences. Leads Camp Playmaker game design camp.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BUILD: National youth entrepreneurship nonprofit that inspires students from under-resourced communities to become business leaders. Strong peer given Start Upward and Designathon's entrepreneurship focus.
- Maker Ed: National nonprofit advancing maker education by building capacity for educators and communities. Comparable for the makerspace/fab lab programming and the focus on youth access to making tools.
- Digital Harbor Foundation: Baltimore-based nonprofit that operates a youth tech center with makerspaces, STEM programming, and creative studios. Closest direct peer given the combination of physical creative hub, youth-focused programming, and under-resourced community mission.
- NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship): Global youth entrepreneurship education nonprofit teaching foundational business and innovation skills. Direct peer for Start Upward and youth venture pitch programming.
- The Fab Foundation: Global organization that supports the Fab Lab network of digital fabrication labs. Comparable for the 3D printers, cutting machines, and digital fabrication core of Do Greater's TechHub.
- The Knowledge House: NYC-based nonprofit providing technology and entrepreneurship training for underserved youth and adults, with career pathways into tech. Comparable in blending youth entrepreneurship, tech access, and workforce-style outcomes.
- Black Girls Code: National nonprofit introducing girls of color to technology and computer programming. Direct peer in the youth tech education and access-for-under-resourced-youth mission.
- Citizen Schools: National nonprofit expanding learning opportunities for low-income students through after-school programming and career apprenticeships. Comparable for the unpaid/free after-school model and corporate partnerships.
Regional players
- Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte: Major Charlotte-area youth development nonprofit serving under-resourced youth. Regional peer competing for the same youth time, donor dollars, and after-school slot in westside Charlotte.
Broad incumbents
- Junior Achievement: Large, established youth education nonprofit focused on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship for K-12 students. A broad incumbent peer for the entrepreneurship and work-readiness curriculum.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs social profiles
Digital presenceDo Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs
What does Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs do?
Do Greater, Inc. is a Charlotte, NC non-profit that operates physical creative hubs (Sparkhouse West and Sparkhouse Charlotte Uptown) equipped with design studios, TechHub prototyping tools, 3D printers, cutting machines, and a Creative Digital Studio for underserved middle and high school youth. It delivers structured programs including entrepreneurship training (Start Upward), Art of DJing, weekend Designathons, and four summer camps, supplemented by a Mobile CRTVLab that brings technology classrooms directly to schools.
Is Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs a public or private company?
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs founded?
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs based?
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs is headquartered in Charlotte, United States, in the North America region.
How does Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are program Fees (with Financial Aid), sparkhouse Coffee Proceeds, space Rentals and Memberships, corporate Sponsorships and grants and Microgrants.
Who are Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BUILD, Maker Ed, Digital Harbor Foundation, NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship), The Fab Foundation, The Knowledge House, Black Girls Code and Citizen Schools. Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte is listed as a regional player. Junior Achievement is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs have an API?
No public API is recorded for Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs.
What industry is Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs in?
Do Greater, Inc. | DG Creative Labs's product category is Youth Education and Community Creative Programs. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMADAC, Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios), with a secondary code of BPAGADAG, STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits. Its NAICS code is 611610.