Knox St. Studios Presents - Scale & Push Part II: Founder Celebration
Are You Next?
Join us for an evening of connection, celebration, and possibility as Knox Street Studios brings together entrepreneurs from across our signature programs. This isn't just another networking event—it's a collision of ideas, experiences, and ambition designed to inspire what's next for Durham's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What to Expect:
🎤 Live Founder Pitches
Watch Launch Lab accelerator graduates take the stage with 2.5-minute pitches showcasing the businesses they've built. Each completing founder receives a $1,200 grant to fuel their next chapter.
🏢 Property Acquisition Lab Cohort Reveal
Meet the newest cohort of entrepreneurs taking the leap from tenant to property owner. Upon completion of this 10-week intensive, each of the 5 participants will receive a $5,000 grant to support their commercial real estate acquisition journey. Program done in partnership with ACCESS POINT.
💡 Interactive Challenges & Cash Prizes
Participate in our 60-Second Solution Challenge and compete in our Speed Pitch Competition for a $500 cash prize. Plus, surprise giveaways throughout the night!
🤝 Program-Specific Networking Pods
Connect with fellow founders in dedicated spaces:
Launch Lab alumni and participants (tech startups & innovation)
Property Acquisition Lab cohort members (commercial real estate)
Digital Certifications graduates (digital marketing, cybersecurity, AI essentials)
Who Should Attend?
Whether you've completed one of our programs, you're currently enrolled, or you're curious about what Knox Street Studios can do for your business—this event is for you. We're bringing together:
✨ Launch Lab accelerator alumni and current cohort
✨ Property Acquisition Lab participants
✨ Digital Certifications graduates
✨ Durham County and NC IDEA partners
✨ Future founders asking themselves: "Am I next?"
Why This Matters
Over the past year, Knox Street Studios has awarded nearly $35,000 in grants to entrepreneurs building the future of Durham's economy. This celebration is about more than money—it's about the coaching, community, and capital access that creates lasting change.
From launching tech startups to acquiring commercial property to mastering AI-powered digital tools, our programs are designed around one core belief: money must meet coaching. When you combine financial support with mentorship and skill-building, you don't just fund businesses—you create generational wealth.
Event Highlights
4:30 PM – Doors open, networking begins
5:00 PM – Official program starts
Welcome & program overview
Pod networking sessions
60-Second Solution Challenge
Launch Lab founder pitches
Property Acquisition Lab cohort announcement
Speed Pitch Competition ($500 prize!)
Continued networking with music, food & drinks
Co-hosted by Talib Graves-Manns & Jes Averhart
Music by DJ
Bites & beverages provided throughout
Ready to Join Us?
This is your chance to connect with entrepreneurs who are building, growing, and winning. Come celebrate what's possible when community meets capital. Thank you to Durham County, NC IDEA, and GOOGLE for their support.
Are you next?