SparkHaus has announced a partnership with DAV, an established nonprofit based in Erlanger, to offer support to veteran entrepreneurs and their spouses. The collaboration aims to provide startup education, mentorship, and community support to these entrepreneurs through the DAV Patriot Boot Camp program.
Dave Knox, Executive Director of Blue North and a member of the DAV National Veterans Entrepreneurship Council, highlighted the collaboration's purpose. He stated, “Our partnership with DAV is a prime example of the kind of meaningful collaborations we envision for SparkHaus — where organizations come together to create opportunities, foster innovation and build a stronger entrepreneurial community for all."
In addition, companies led by veterans like Sunflower Fuels and eGateway Capital will operate within SparkHaus. Sunflower Fuels is led by Gabrielle Blocher, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Marine officer. Chad Summe, a former Naval submarine officer and another U.S. Naval Academy graduate, leads eGateway.
Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky remain central to DAV's efforts, contributing expertise and mentorship from the Tri-State region. According to DAV CEO Barry Jesinoski, "Through SparkHaus, we will be able to provide our entrepreneurs with a new resource and help connect them with a vibrant community of like-minded innovators and difference makers."
Veterans often excel as entrepreneurs due to qualities like resilience and leadership honed during their service. Despite this, many face challenges in accessing necessary funding and mentorship. Jesinoski remarked, “Helping veterans and spouses succeed as entrepreneurs isn’t just a feel-good mission or the right thing to do. It’s a smart investment with far-reaching benefits for the community we serve."
SparkHaus, supported by Kenton County, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, and Blue North, is set to become Kentucky's largest entrepreneurship hub. It is expected to accommodate 200 to 300 daily users. With construction spearheaded by Urban Sites and architectural design by City Studios, the facility is anticipated to open in August after construction began in late September 2024.