Charlotte Launches Make It Happen Month to Inspire Local Creatives

Charlotte Welcomes Exciting New Initiative for Creatives!

Get ready, Charlotte! A brand-new initiative called “Make It Happen Month” is coming your way this January, and it’s all about bringing your creative dreams to life! From January 2nd to 31st, this 30-day program will encourage everyone from budding entrepreneurs to passionate artists to take the first steps toward their dreams.

What’s the Story Behind Make It Happen Month?

Initiated by the brilliant Candice Kelly, a graduate of Harvard Extension School with a master’s in organizational psychology, this program aims to provide support and encouragement for local visionaries. With three years under her belt working with entrepreneurship-focused nonprofits, Kelly noticed a major hurdle that many creatives face: starting! “For early-stage folks, a lot of them are just trying to figure out, ‘Am I on the right track?’” Kelly explained in a recent chat. The issue isn’t always a lack of resources; it’s often more about tackling internal fears such as imposter syndrome or the anxiety of trying something new.

Break Free from Barriers!

Unlike typical business development programs that focus heavily on planning, Make It Happen Month emphasizes action! Participants will get their hands dirty by experimenting with their ideas in a supportive, low-pressure setting. Imagine refining your vision into what’s called a minimum viable product (MVP)—without a hefty financial commitment. This is where the unique FAST framework comes into play, helping participants set immediate, manageable goals they can tackle head-on.

Get Involved, Get Inspired!

The month-long challenge will wrap up with a thrilling showcase event, where participants proudly present their creative works and MVPs developed over the course of the program. “We are excited to gather one last time at Do Greater for a showcase to celebrate what we’ve made, and then connect folks with resources to help them take it further,” Kelly shared enthusiastically.

With Kelsey Van Dyke, director of educational innovation and technology at Do Greater, on board, the nonprofit is ready to open its doors and engage community members of all ages. “We’re thrilled to inspire students and local residents to transition from ideas to action,” Van Dyke stated. This initiative aligns perfectly with Do Greater’s mission, aiming to spark entrepreneurial energy throughout the city.

No Idea Too Small!

Whether you’re an artist, a filmmaker, an aspiring business owner, or a civic innovator, Make It Happen Month welcomes all kinds of ideas—big or small! Your project could range from starting a cleaning service to producing a documentary or even writing that memoir you’ve always talked about. Kelly is hopeful that the diversity of participants will create a vibrant environment for unexpected collaborations.

Why Wait for Tomorrow?

Have that nagging thought, “Wouldn’t it be awesome to work on this project someday when everything falls into place?” Well—why not start today? “Everything may not be figured out at the beginning, and that’s okay!” Kelly encourages. She hopes that this initiative will inject a fresh energy into conversations about starting new ventures.

How to Sign Up!

Registration for Make It Happen Month is officially open! Participants can sign up for a one-time fee of just $100, which covers all materials and events throughout the program. But hurry—space is limited to only 250 attendees, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible journey.

“I’m hoping it brings a new energy, a new life to the conversation around what it means to start,” Kelly said, wrapping up her thoughts on the initiative. So, Charlotte, are you ready to make your dreams happen? The time to take action is now!