Lars Hasselblad Torres, former executive director at HatchSpace in Brattleboro, has been appointed entrepreneur-in-residence at Do North Coworking, part of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Vermont State University. He brings to his new position more than 15 years' experience in coworking space management, creative entrepreneurship and economic development.
At HatchSpace, Torres led a period of transition and growth — increasing membership, expanding educational programming, developing a strategic plan and strengthening financial sustainability. Before that, he was CEO at Artisans’ Asylum, a 52,000-square-foot “maker wonderland” in Boston, where he spearheaded the organization’s relocation and growth.
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.
“Lars has a deep understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Ann Nygard, executive director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “His experience in strategic growth, community engagement and business development will be an invaluable asset to our coworking community and the broader Northeast Kingdom.”