Sponsored by Blue North | July 8, 2026
It’s been less than a year since SparkHaus opened its doors. Even before renovations were complete, local interest was high for the collaborative space developed by Northern Kentucky’s innovation hub Blue North and designed to support tech innovators and founders.
Now that many founders have made SparkHaus their home, word has spread. People from all over the country are hearing about the space — and about Northern Kentucky’s potential for economic development and growth. They are also learning more about the community as an affordable, friendly and accessible place to work and live.
Startups from as far away as California and Texas have put SparkHaus on their radar. Some have come for a visit and have made the decision to relocate. Businesses that have been primarily remote operations have come to SparkHaus looking for a homebase where they can work together and meet face to face.
Covington Business Council: Supporting the journey
The Covington Business Council (CBC) Foundation recognized the growing interest and worked with Blue North to develop a fellowship opportunity for those interested in joining SparkHaus and the community. The fellowship provides a six-month membership in the Covington Business Council with a stipend that covers the cost of space in SparkHaus during that period.
Executive Director Pat Frew said the fellowship also covers the costs for three of the council’s monthly networking luncheons where founders are introduced to those who may be able to provide services, direction and support for their journey.
The council foundation offers 10 fellowships a year (five fellowships, twice a year). Founders can make an application on the council’s website. Blue North staff choose the recipients with an eye toward helping those making the move from outside our region.
Frew said the council sees the fellowship as a way to bring in new people and ideas.
Frew said the council sees the fellowship as a way to bring in new people and ideas. “We think more transformation will happen in the city with all these new ideas flowing from people, outside the region particularly. We’re hoping that it has a dramatic effect on economic development and creates a growing, exciting new generation,” Frew said.
While joining the local chamber of commerce or business organization was pretty much a given in the past, many today, especially younger people, are forming relationships that are almost entirely virtual. Frew said he and others on the council believe there is still great value in meeting and getting to know people face-to-face. The fellowship is an effort to support those relationships.
“We need to continue to create an environment where they see the value of meeting in person…We’re almost confrontational about how we want people to engage. We want them to connect. We want them to meet people. Northern Kentucky is a fabulous area, maybe stronger than any other place in the region, where people connect and willingly give of themselves to others…So, that’s what we’re trying to convey through this program, not just through funding the scholarship…but also by making the connections that can help them and hopefully get them moving on the right trajectory,” said Frew.
