SparkHaus, an initiative of Kenton County, Blue North and the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, received $6 million in state funding to support its build out. It’s the latest step forward in cementing Northern Kentucky’s role in the Greater Cincinnati startup ecosystem.

SparkHaus, located on Madison Avenue in downtown Covington, will bring together founders, investors and support organizations under one roof, creating a front door for entrepreneurship in Northern Kentucky.

“Northern Kentucky is critical to the vitality of the Commonwealth,” Sen. Chris McDaniel (R- Ryland Heights) said. “We have to attract, develop and retain entrepreneurs to grow our economy, and SparkHaus will play a major role in doing just that.”

Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann praised Senator McDaniel for his work and highlighted the impact SparkHaus will have on the entire region.

“From day one, Sen. McDaniel stood by us and gave this project his full support, and that has been a difference-maker in taking this from vision to reality,” Knochelmann said. “SparkHaus co-locates critical pieces of the entrepreneurship formula, so our next generation of business leaders can focus on growing their companies right here in Northern Kentucky.” 

“We appreciate Senator McDaniel’s leadership in securing funding for SparkHaus,” Christine Russell, executive director of the NKY Port Authority, said. “The NKY Port is focused on creating this opportunity where entrepreneurs, startups and high-growth companies can succeed in our three-county region.”

With the funding secured, officials plan to begin construction on the project’s buildout this fall, with an anticipated opening summer 2025. Urban Sites, a veteran in creating unique apartment, office and retail spaces within Greater Cincinnati, is serving as the project’s developer. 

The vision behind SparkHaus is to create a community asset where Northern Kentucky entrepreneurs can easily access the tools they need to grow their businesses. That includes:

• tapping into the resources provided by Blue North; 
• getting to know the region’s top funders, from seed-stage venture capitalists to private equity groups; and 
• working side-by-side with other entrepreneurs as they navigate the shared experience of growing a company. 

“The launch of SparkHaus cements Covington's role as one of three Innovation Districts in StartupCincy alongside Over-the-Rhine and Uptown,” Dave Knox, CEO of Blue North, said. “Entrepreneurs attract other entrepreneurs and the entire community is at its best when collisions and collaboration are taking place. SparkHaus will serve as a cornerstone of our entrepreneurial community, bringing together founders, investors and others to build Northern Kentucky's future.”

Chad Summe, managing director of eGateway Capital, a Covington-based venture capital firm, applauded Kenton County and its partners for pursuing this project. 

“eGateway believes all of our capital allocators need to work together,” Summe said. “We think this building, which is a great space in a great part of Covington, will foster that collaboration and provide a location where the whole capital continuum thrives.”

The project currently is estimated to cost $15 million total.

Kenton County and its partners are raising private dollars to supplement the project. Those interested in getting involved can contact Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann at Kris.Knochelmann@KentonCounty.org.