In 2000 the state legislature passed the Kentucky Innovation Act with the stated purpose of strengthening Kentucky’s tech economy through targeted support for startups, early stage and small businesses within the tech sector. A number of different programs and approaches were developed to accomplish the task, including the creation of regional support hubs, now known […]
Tag: Blue North
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A community of collaboration and innovation grows at SparkHaus
Described as the “engine for entrepreneurship in Northern Kentucky,” SparkHaus opened its doors last fall. Even before opening, the long-anticipated home for area entrepreneurs and technology innovators had attracted interest. Several founders, as well as businesses that support and serve startups, had already signed up for space in the historic building in downtown Covington. Blue […]
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Targeted support for Northern Kentucky tech businesses taking that first step
BRINK is a new program designed specifically to address the challenges faced by very early stage technology startups. The program provides mentorship and support to promising startups at the critical early stage of development. The program targets tech businesses showing potential for high growth and the ability to scale up rapidly and impact their industries. […]
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LifeSciKY offers funded lab space for science entrepreneurs
LifeSciKY, an NKY life science incubator, is inviting local life science start-ups and entrepreneurs to apply for a subsidized lab space at their facility. Chosen applicants will receive a fully-funded lab bench at the LifeSciKY facility, which will be located in the OneNKY Center in Covington, as well as a full co-working membership at the […]
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Four NKY startups awarded grants from Main Street Ventures to fuel growth
Four Northern Kentucky companies were awarded grants from Main Street Ventures, a Cincinnati-based organization that supports entrepreneurs. The organization has awarded a total of $172,098 in grants to 13 small businesses, facilitating their growth and expansion throughout Greater Cincinnati. Since 2018, the organization has distributed over $4.5 million in equity-free funding to local startups and […]
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SparkHaus: Grow in a vibrant and supportive community
Once they know they have a great idea, entrepreneurs focus on questions that begin with “how” — how to develop their plan, how to find and attract customers, how to locate the resources and support they need. Soon, “where” questions also arise — where to set up the business, where to go for help and […]
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State lawmakers briefed on NKY’s entrepreneurial, tourism ecosystems
Dozens of Kentucky lawmakers focused on entrepreneurship and tourism at a special committee meeting on June 18 in Covington, where local economic leaders updated the legislators on the resources these industries require to continue growing. Dave Knox, executive director of Blue North, Northern Kentucky’s primary entrepreneurial support organization and advocacy group, briefed the committee on […]
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Standing on the shoulders of giants
If you’ve attended college or visited someone in a hospital or even walked the halls of a public building, you’ll see the names. You may find the name emblazoned over the entrance to a building or hallway, or simply on a plaque in the lobby. In fact, you may pass the names daily, maybe pause […]
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Covington’s SparkHaus attracts trio of AI startups
Covington’s SparkHaus, Northern Kentucky’s entrepreneurship hub, is proving to be a key magnet for artificial intelligence startups. SparkHaus, located at 727 Madison Ave. in Covington’s Central Business District, is set to open in August. The space is currently under construction. Upon completion, the building will serve as a space for Northern Kentucky-based startups, investment firms […]
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A sneak peek at SparkHaus’ progress: NKY’s entrepreneurial hub
Construction on SparkHaus, Northern Kentucky’s future entrepreneurial hub, is well underway. Located inside the historic Simms Furniture building at 727 Madison Ave. in Covington’s central business district, SparkHaus aims to be a space where NKY-based founders, investors and support organizations can collaborate in one central office hub. Upon completion, SparkHaus will house many of the […]