This story was originally published in the Caledonian Record on February 20, 2025.
LYNDONVILLE — Do North Coworking, part of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Vermont State University (VTSU), recently announced the appointment of Lars Hasselblad Torres as its new Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Torres, who brings over 15 years of experience in coworking space management, entrepreneurship, and economic development, will begin work on February 24.
Do North Coworking is a workspace dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the region. As part of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the coworking space provides startups, small businesses, and remote professionals with the resources, mentorship, and a collaborative environment.
Torres has an extensive background in fostering innovation, growing maker spaces, and supporting entrepreneurs. Most recently, he served as executive director at HatchSpace in Brattleboro, where he led a period of transition and growth. Before that, he was CEO of Artisans’ Asylum, a 52,000-square-foot “maker wonderland” in Boston.
In his new role, Torres will work closely with VTSU and Northeastern Vermont Development Association on the Innovate NEK program, an initiative funded by a $1.5 million Economic Development Administration grant. Innovate NEK is designed to increase entrepreneurship and innovation in the Northeast Kingdom by helping early-stage ideas develop into sustainable businesses, supporting high-growth startups, and revitalizing downtowns throughout the region. His work will focus on building an innovation pipeline, connecting entrepreneurs to mentorship, coaching, capital access, and incubation and acceleration programs.
