SparkHaus celebrates first year of growth, reaches full occupancy in Covington

SparkHaus, the 50,000-square-foot entrepreneurship hub in Covington operated by Blue North, celebrates its one-year anniversary today after a first year marked by rapid growth, full occupancy and the development of a thriving community of founders.

Since opening its doors in September 2025, SparkHaus has become a home base for start-ups in Northern Kentucky, supporting entrepreneurs across Blue North's 17-county footprint.

In its first year, SparkHaus reached:

• 100% occupancy of its 35 private offices, reflecting strong demand from Northern Kentucky's entrepreneurial community
• 470+ members, including founders, freelancers, remote workers and small business teams

It also hosted:

• Hundreds of events, ranging from networking mixers and workshops to educational programming and community gatherings
• Quarterly pitch competitions, giving founders opportunities to showcase their startups to peers, investors and the broader community

"One year ago, we set out to create more than a coworking space. We wanted to create a place where entrepreneurs could find community, form relationships and access the resources they need to be successful," said Dave Knox, executive director of Blue North. "What we've seen over the past year has exceeded that vision. SparkHaus has become a place where ideas are shared, businesses are grown and people are choosing to build their futures right here in Northern Kentucky."

Building a Home for Entrepreneurship

The 50,000-square-foot SparkHaus represents a $16 million investment in Covington and transformed a landmark building into the Commonwealth's largest dedicated entrepreneurship hub.

SparkHaus was the first project to benefit from Kenton County's $13 million Site Development Fund, which is overseen by the Northern Kentucky Port Authority and funded by the Kentucky General Assembly.

The project also directly received an additional $6 million from the Kentucky General Assembly and nearly $3 million in private philanthropic support, allowing the facility to open virtually debt free.

"SparkHaus is exactly the kind of investment we envisioned when we created the Site Development Fund," said Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann. "It is an investment in people, in businesses and in the future of our region. One year later, we are seeing the results in the number of entrepreneurs using this space, the businesses choosing to locate here and the community that has formed around it."

"Entrepreneurship is essential to the Commonwealth’s economic future," said Sen. Chris McDaniel. "The General Assembly's support for projects like SparkHaus reflects our belief that providing the right resources and infrastructure can unlock the potential of our small businesses and startups. Seeing SparkHaus reach full occupancy and build such a strong entrepreneurial community in its first year is great evidence that investment worked."

The facility's first floor includes an event space, public-facing Better Blend cafe and coworking space, while the basement provides a variety of meeting room options for tenants and guests.

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

The Catalytic Fund, a Covington-based Community Development Financial Institution, was instrumental in overseeing the project’s overall financing and provided the primary construction loan for the building.

“Although traditional capital markets viewed financing an office project as risky in today’s environment, we were comfortable providing the loan because of the significant investment and quality organizations behind SparkHaus,” said Catalytic Fund CEO Jeanne Schroer. “One year in, it’s clear that bet was worth it. SparkHaus already has exceeded our expectations.”

A Regional Investment

SparkHaus is the latest successful project executed by the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, which is playing an increasingly important role in advancing transformational projects across the region.

Alongside the OneNKY Center, SparkHaus demonstrates the NKY Port's growing role in positioning Northern Kentucky for long-term growth and competitiveness.

"The NKY Port Authority is proud to have been a partner in bringing a new home for Northern Kentucky entrepreneurs to life," said Christine Russell, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority. "We are excited to see this community of innovators and high-growth businesses flourish from the energy of being united together at SparkHaus. The momentum we've seen in its first year demonstrates the value of creating places where entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate and grow."

Investing in the Next Generation

SparkHaus' first year has also included programming designed to support entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their journeys.

This summer, SparkHaus hosted the Shinkle Fellows, three college founders supported with a stipend and lodging that enabled them to focus on building their startups full-time.

All three Fellows continue to work on their ventures today and remain active members of the SparkHaus community.

The fellowship is one example of how SparkHaus is designed to provide more than physical workspace. Through programming, mentorship, networking and connections to investors and other business leaders, the space is helping entrepreneurs build the relationships and knowledge needed to succeed.

Looking Ahead

As SparkHaus enters its second year, Blue North will continue building on the momentum of its first 12 months by expanding programming, deepening investor connections and creating additional opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout Northern Kentucky.

"There's a real energy in this building that you can't create simply by putting people in offices," Knox said. "It's created by bringing entrepreneurs together, giving them opportunities to learn from one another and connecting them to the people and resources that can help their businesses move forward. Our first year has shown us what this community can become, and we're excited about where we can take it from here."

About SparkHaus

SparkHaus is the product of a partnership between Kenton County, Blue North, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority and the Catalytic Fund. SparkHaus is more than a workspace. It is a community designed to empower Northern Kentucky's entrepreneurs and innovators. From thoughtfully designed offices to versatile meeting spaces and vibrant gathering areas, SparkHaus provides everything needed to grow, connect and succeed.

For more information, visit SparkHaus.co.

About Blue North

Blue North is Northern Kentucky's regional innovation hub, serving as one of six Kentucky Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hubs designated by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. As a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation, Blue North supports startups and scalable ventures across 17 counties in Northern Kentucky.

Blue North operates SparkHaus, a startup coworking space that serves as the physical home for the region's entrepreneurial community, providing workspace, resources and connections for more than 450 members. Through strategic programming, mentorship and community-building initiatives, the organization accelerates the growth of local entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Blue North was established with the support of its Founding Investors, the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and BE NKY Growth Partnership, and remains committed to driving inclusive economic development and building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Kentucky.

SparkHaus Supporters

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.