To Strengthen Vermont’s Innovation Ecosystem
Vermont Business Magazine Hula is proud to be part of a consortium of coworking spaces and innovation hubs receiving a $10,000 grant from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships (Leahy Institute). This funding will catalyze a partnership with the University of Vermont (UVM) and coworking spaces across the state to build and strengthen partnerships, create new opportunities for student learners, and build a stronger connection among Vermont’s innovation hubs. The goal is to create a network of spaces that foster connections between regions and among Vermonters, whether you are a student looking for an internship, a start-up looking for funding, or a mid-stage company looking to hire new talent.
Hula is one of four innovation hubs participating in this year-long program, joining forces with Black River Innovation Center (BRIC) in Springfield, The HUB Coworks in Rutland, and Do North Coworking in Lyndon. The consortium will collaborate through regular meetings and UVM-led research to understand the needs and impact of rural coworking spaces. Together, the hubs will explore resource sharing, business mentorship, and program development. Additionally, each participant will host a summer intern to advance their projects and strengthen community connections.
“The Leahy Institute is thrilled to partner with these coworking spaces as they seek to grow their impact and in turn, strengthen rural economic development,” said Tricia Coates, Director of the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships. “We are excited to see how these hubs create opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and communities. No one community is exactly like another, but both our common and unique needs offer insight into how we can be engines of vitality and innovation for our state.”
Hula’s specific focus for the program will be the integration of student talent into its vibrant community of entrepreneurs and startups located in Burlington’s South End Innovation District. The Innovation Ecosystem Integration Intern at Hula will undertake research, including conducting a feasibility study for shared access to resources across the partner organizations. This work aims to bolster the connections between entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and skilled talent across Vermont using the coworking network as the connector in each region.
“At Hula, we believe in the power of community and connection to support and foster growth for entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Lucia Campriello, Hula CEO. “We’re inspired to nurture student learners, connect talent seekers with talent, and bring Vermont’s innovation hubs closer together. This grant allows us to extend our mission beyond Burlington, creating a bridge between rural coworking spaces and fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth.”
Representatives from other participating coworking spaces shared their enthusiasm:
"BRIC looks forward to participating in this coalition as an opportunity to foster meaningful relationships with hubs throughout Vermont. Together, we can better serve Vermont's rural entrepreneurs and workforce," shared Chris Maggiolo, Deputy Executive Director, Black River Innovation Campus.
“We all look forward to working with the Leahy Institute, which will provide us with a meaningful process for creating partnerships that might not otherwise take place,” stated Bill Lucci, Program Director, The Hub CoWorks.
"This initiative exemplifies the collaborative spirit essential for driving economic growth in Vermont's rural communities. And uniting coworking spaces across the state is a powerful way to foster innovation and support local entrepreneurs," said Ann Nygard, Director of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Vermont State University (operator of Do North Coworking).
Through these efforts, Hula and its partners aim to explore ways to share their unique approaches to community building while learning from each other’s challenges and strengths. The result will be a stronger statewide ecosystem of innovation hubs and coworking spaces that support economic development, workforce growth, and entrepreneurial success.
About Hula
Hula is on a mission to elevate Vermont's startups to grow and succeed from our 14-acre coworking campus and innovation hub on the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington's South End Innovation District. Our focus is to accelerate growth, empower entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, foster talent and nurture wellbeing & balance.
We are home to a venture fund invested in 30 Vermont-based companies that have created hundreds of jobs to date. 1,200 members work from our campus each year - including employees of 100+ startups headquartered at Hula. Additionally, we host more than 30,000 annual visitors who attend hundreds of dynamic events ranging from corporate to community and non-profit to educational. Hula’s vision is to be an inspiring home for growing innovative, healthy, competitive, sustainable businesses. Learn more at www.hulalakeside.com.
About the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships
The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships (Leahy Institute) builds collaborations between the University of Vermont (UVM) and community partners for the benefit of our rural places. The Leahy Institute brings financial and technical assistance, access to UVM research, faculty expertise, student projects and internships, and established UVM startup and engagement programs to our partnerships. Through these partnerships, the Leahy Institute collaborates on impactful solutions that drive positive change for Vermont and beyond. Learn more about the Leahy Institute and how to engage with UVM here.
3.20.2025. Burlington, VT – Hula
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