SparkHaus — a new hub for the Northern Kentucky startup community — is set to receive millions in funding from the state of Kentucky.
The funding is set to come from House Bill 1, which will provide $6 million for the project over the next fiscal year.
SparkHaus will be going into the shuttered Sims Furniture building located at 727 Madison Ave. in Covington’s Central Business District. The property is owned by the Northern Kentucky Port Authority.
“I am very excited to see this funding come to our district as a means to invest in our future,” Rep. Stephanie Dietz (R-65) said in a press release. “The money allocated for these projects will provide us with new services and facilities that will create a lasting impact on Kenton County for years to come.”
The goal of SparkHaus is to create a centralized office hub for Northern Kentucky-based startups, investment firms and entrepreneurial support organizations. SparkHaus’ amenities include meeting spaces, classrooms and presentation rooms. The building is 47,000 square feet – 39,000, which can accommodate rent-paying office space.
Blue North, Northern Kentucky’s primary entrepreneurship advocacy and resource organization, will move from its current headquarters at 112. W. Pike St. into SparkHaus.