Help Find Our 2026 Forest Product Innovators
Seeking Startups and Seed Stage Ventures
The application window for the 2026 Forest Business Accelerator is closing soon.
We are looking for innovative start-up and seed-stage businesses in the U.S. working in one or more of the following areas:
- Products that use chips, dust, resins, shavings or other forest byproducts
- Wood based technologies to create, for example new materials, chemicals, bio-based products, structures.
- Products that make use of underutilized species (e.g., poplar, birch)
- Technology that improves forest industry operations, production, automation, sales throughout the supply chain, or forest management. This includes software offerings that make use of AI and other technologies to provide previously unavailable services to the forest industry.
- Products or services that increase the use of wood heat or energy or improve its efficiency, either through new or improved fuels or heat or energy systems.
If you know a business that fits, please share this opportunity today.
What Selected Companies Receive
- A three month accelerator program
- Mentorship from industry experts
- Peer collaboration with other founders
- The opportunity to compete for a $15,000 award
Help Us Spread the Word
Great companies often come through trusted networks. Please forward this opportunity to founders, partners, and innovators who should be part of the next cohort.
Application deadline: June 12, 2026.
Sponsors
The Forest Business Accelerator relies on sponsorships to support each cohort. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].
2026 partners and sponsors include Northern Border Regional Commission and Vermont State University.
About the Forest Business Accelerator
The Forest Business Accelerator is a Vermont-based program that supports startup and seed stage ventures developing innovative products, services, and technologies in the forest and wood industry. The program provides an intensive learning and business development process to help entrepreneurs validate their business model, strengthen operations, prepare for investment, and position their companies for meaningful growth. The Forest Business Accelerator is an initiative of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) in partnership with Vermont State University (VTSU) and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). Together, these partners work to advance a modern, resilient forest and fiber economy in Vermont and Northern New England.
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund forestaccelerator.com
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