Forest Business Accelerator 2026

About

A 4-month accelerator program designed for U.S.-based startups in the forest and wood industries, offering a comprehensive commercialization curriculum, expert coaching, and valuable connections to industry professionals and potential customers. Participants will engage in both virtual and in-person components to enhance their business models and market strategies.

Benefits

• 🌐Connections
  Access to industry experts and mentors in the forest products market for guidance and networking opportunities.
• 📚Curriculum
  A rigorous commercialization curriculum providing expert advice to build a market-validated business case and model.
• 🤝Collaboration
  Financial support for participant travel and lodging for two trips to Vermont to connect with cohort participants and industry professionals.
• 📈Market Insights
  Gain insights into the forest products market and connections to suppliers and customers.
• 💡Expert Coaching
  Receive coaching through webinars and panels tailored to the needs of forest technology and advanced forest biomaterials.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to U.S.-based startups and seed stage businesses in the forest and wood industries
• Must be developing products or services that utilize low-grade materials or underutilized species
• Technology must improve forest industry operations or supply chain management
• Startups should focus on advanced wood-based bioproducts or precision forest management technologies
• Participants must be committed to a hybrid program with both virtual and in-person components

Participation Commitments

• Must attend a kickoff event in August 2026 in a virtual format
• Participants are required to travel to Vermont for two in-person sprints during the program
• Must engage in a rigorous commercialization curriculum and complete all program components
• Commitment to collaborate with other cohort participants and industry professionals throughout the program duration.

Target Sector

Focused on the forest and wood products industry, including advanced bioproducts and precision forestry

Target Location

Open to startups based in the United States, particularly in Northern New England