A landmark Covington building has been transformed into SparkHaus, Northern Kentucky’s new home for entrepreneurs, small businesses and innovators. SparkHaus officially opened its doors today, Sept. 22, with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring state and local leaders, business champions and community partners.

At 50,000 square feet, SparkHaus is the Commonwealth’s largest dedicated entrepreneurship hub. Officials recently celebrated hitting the halfway mark on leasing SparkHaus’ 34 dedicated offices, with most of those businesses new to Covington.

The building’s first floor houses an event space, public-facing Better Blend cafe and coworking space, while the basement offers a variety of meeting room options for tenants and guests.

Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said SparkHaus represents a true commitment to investing in the future of Northern Kentucky.

“This space is about building something bigger than a building,” Knochelmann said. “It’s about giving our entrepreneurs the tools and connections they need to succeed and creating a community where innovation thrives. SparkHaus is proof of what’s possible when public, private and philanthropic partners come together to invest in our people and in our future.”

Kentucky State Senator Chris McDaniel (R-Ryland Heights) emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Entrepreneurship is essential to Kentucky’s economic future,” McDaniel said. “The General Assembly’s support for projects like SparkHaus reflects our belief that by providing resources and infrastructure, we can unlock the full potential of our small businesses and startups. SparkHaus will strengthen Northern Kentucky’s position as a leader in innovation across the Commonwealth.”

Dave Knox, Executive Director of Blue North, said SparkHaus will help level the playing field for entrepreneurs in Northern Kentucky.

“Entrepreneurship has long been concentrated in larger markets, but SparkHaus changes that for Northern Kentucky,” Knox said. “This space gives our innovators access to the same resources, mentorship and community you’d expect in major startup cities—right here at home. It’s about making sure talent doesn’t have to leave our region to succeed.”

SparkHaus is the latest successful project executed by the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, which is driving transformational projects across the region. Alongside the recently completed OneNKY Center, SparkHaus demonstrates the NKY Port’s growing role in positioning Northern Kentucky for long-term growth and competitiveness.

SparkHaus was the first project to benefit from County’s $13 million Site Development Fund, which is overseen by the NKY Port and was secured in 2022 by Sen. McDaniel.

“The NKY Port Authority is proud to be a partner in bringing a new home for Northern Kentucky entrepreneurs to life,” said Christine Russell, Executive Director of the NKY Port. “We are excited to see this community of innovators and high-growth businesses flourish from the energy of being united together in SparkHaus.”

Urban Sites and City Studios spearheaded the construction and architecture for the reimagined space, respectively. Partnering with local small businesses, including Covington-based design firm Durham, to bring SparkHaus to life.

The Catalytic Fund, a Covington-based real estate Community Development Financial Institution, was instrumental in overseeing the project’s financing. SparkHaus represents a $16 million investment in Covington.

Nearly $3 million in private philanthropic support was raised to support SparkHaus — a testament to the wide-ranging community belief in the power of local entrepreneurship. These funds, paired alongside a $6 million contribution from the Kentucky General Assembly, have helped the facility to open debt free.

“The generosity of our philanthropic partners reflects the very best of Northern Kentucky,” Knochelmann said. “Time and again, this community has shown its willingness to bet on itself, and SparkHaus is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together to support innovation and growth.”

Key supporters of SparkHaus include: the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation, the Schott Foundation, the R.C. Durr Foundation, the Drees Family Foundation, Corporex Cos., St. Elizabeth Healthcare, First Financial Bank and the Milburn Family Foundation. 

To view a full list of SparkHaus' philanthropic supporters, click here.