Today we’d like to introduce you to Talib Graves-Manns.
Hi Talib, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m the Founder & Executive Director of Knox Street Studios, an entrepreneurship organization based in the Triangle that serves entrepreneurs across North Carolina. We’re dedicated to removing barriers for aspiring business owners and building generational wealth in underserved communities. Our work focuses on providing comprehensive support to entrepreneurs through multiple program tracks including our Launch Lab Accelerator, VC Incubator, Property Acquisition Lab, Google Certifications programs, and Techstars Startup Weekends. What drives me is the belief that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for economic mobility and community transformation when we create the right support systems.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We don’t believe in coaching without capital. One of our biggest challenges is finding grant funding to pair with our programs because we know that micro-grants combined with education and support are what truly move the needle for entrepreneurs. It’s harder to find that grant capital in the North Carolina market compared to other regions. Another challenge is helping entrepreneurs overcome the systemic barriers to commercial property ownership – access to capital, credit history requirements, and lack of familiarity with the acquisition process. We’re working to create pathways that address these obstacles directly through education, relationship building with community lenders, and hands-on support.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Knox St. Studios?
At Knox Street Studios, we run several interconnected programs designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are. Our Launch Lab Accelerator provides intensive support for early-stage businesses, while our VC Incubator helps founders prepare for investment. The Property Acquisition Lab is particularly meaningful – it guides business owners through the process of purchasing their own commercial real estate, which is critical for building wealth and stability. We also offer Google Certifications to help entrepreneurs build essential digital skills, and our Startup Weekends create space for community members to test ideas and connect with resources. Everything we do is aimed at creating sustainable businesses and generational wealth.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Our work wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships and community support. We collaborate closely with community development financial institutions, local government, and organizations focused on equitable economic development across North Carolina. We’re always looking for partners who share our commitment to removing barriers to entrepreneurship, whether that’s through funding, mentorship, technical assistance, or simply spreading the word about opportunities available to North Carolina’s entrepreneurs. The most important thing people can do is help us connect with business owners who could benefit from our programs and support the entrepreneurs in our community by choosing to do business with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.knoxststudios.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knox-st-studios/?viewAsMember=true
