Skip to main content
The Northern Kentucky Collaborative for Economic Engagement

The Northern Kentucky Collaborative for Economic Engagement is the key connector for entrepreneurs, private sector leaders, investors, educational programs, incubators,accelerators, governmental and economic development organizations, and non-profits.

The Collaborative leverages regional agencies and programs as well as NKU’s expertise in data analytics, health, logistics, and entrepreneurial innovation to provide the tools that entrepreneurs need to thrive.


We Make Connections For You

The NKY Innovation Office is here to help navigate the specific challenges facing northern Kentucky entrepreneurs, we offer:

  • Mentorship
  • Incubator facilities
  • Business support services
  • Partner references
  • Connections to just-in-time support services
  • Data for decision-making
  • Specialized programming for the underserved
  • Planning for the next generation of business leaders

Connect With Us

Housed in the Collaborative at 112 Pike Street in Covington, the NKY Innovation Office is there to connect entrepreneurs to mentors, incubator facilities, business support services, and the resources of Northern Kentucky University. Regular office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Please stop by to see the space and what we can offer you!

Meg Stephenson
Lauren Pulsfort
Innovation Office Director
NKU Collaborative for Economic Engagement
112 Pike St.
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 572-7877
pulsfortl1@nku.edu

Meet Our Partners


Grants

RBDG – Enterprise Grant

The RBDG – Enterprise grant expands the NKY Collaborative by targeting economic development in the rural regions of Northern Kentucky, specifically in Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Owen and Pendleton counties. Intentional activities Include comprehensive technical assistance and business counseling to small and emerging companies for the purposes of driving regional job and value creation.

EDA SPRINT Challenge Grant

The EDA SPRINT Challenge grant addresses the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the region to thrive in the post-COVID environment and to accelerate long-term economic recovery by increasing entrepreneurship and innovation. enhances the Collaborative to increase regional economic resilience.

For more information about the Collaborative's grant projects, please contact either Meg Stephenson (stephensom3@nku.edu) or Valerie Hardcastle (hardcastle@nku.edu).

EDA UC Grant

The EDA University Center grant will allow NKU’s Institute for Health Innovation to nurture the region’s medico-health entrepreneurship ecosystem through mentoring for commercialization;targeted entrepreneurial support programs for founder’s skill development; applied research in economic development; and workforce training in STEM, health care and entrepreneurship.