The Forest Business Accelerator, managed by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF), is an initiative designed to support and advance innovation within the forest and wood products industry. The program targets innovative start-up and seed-stage ventures across the United States that are focused on commercializing new products, services, and technologies. Over a four-month period, participating entrepreneurs engage in an intensive curriculum to validate their business models, strengthen operations, and prepare for investment, ultimately positioning their companies for meaningful growth and contributing to a modern, resilient forest economy.
Program Focus and Eligibility
The accelerator seeks start-up and seed-stage businesses in the U.S. with products or services related to one or more of the following areas:
• Products that use chips, dust, resins, shavings, or other forest byproducts.
• Wood-based technologies to create new materials, chemicals, bio-based products, or structures.
• Products that make use of underutilized species, such as poplar or birch.
• Technology that improves forest industry operations, production, automation, or sales throughout the supply chain, including software offerings using AI.
• Products or services that increase the use of wood heat or energy or improve its efficiency through new fuels or systems.
Accelerator Structure and Benefits
The four-month program provides a comprehensive commercialization curriculum and valuable industry connections.
• Curriculum: Participants complete the rigorous ecosVC Lens of the Market® ACCELERATED curriculum, providing expert advice and a process to build a market-validated business case, model, and go-to-market plan.
• Connections: The program connects companies with a network of industry experts, mentors, customers, suppliers, and investors for guidance and market insight.
• Collaboration: The hybrid format includes two virtual intensive sessions and two in-person sprints in Vermont, fostering collaboration among cohort participants, coaches, and industry professionals.
• Program Format: The structure includes intensive work sessions, weekly assignments, bi-weekly webinars, and frequent one-on-one engagement with mentors.
Financial Support and Awards
• Program Cost: The accelerator is free for all participating companies.
• Travel Support: Financial support, including a travel stipend, is provided for two trips to Vermont, covering food and lodging for the in-person sprints.
• Final Award: A final award of $15,000 is provided to one peer-selected company, recognizing active engagement and peer-mentoring.
2026 Program Timeline
• Applications Open: April 1, 2026
• Applications Close: June 5, 2026
• Cohort Selected: June 26, 2026
• Program Kickoff (Virtual): August 3–5, 2026
• Sprint 1 (Vermont): September 14-17, 2026
• Sprint 2 (Virtual): October 5–7, 2026
• Sprint 3 (Vermont): November 2-5, 2026
Leadership and Partnerships
The Forest Business Accelerator is an initiative of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) in partnership with Vermont State University (VTSU) and is made possible by support from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). The program is guided by a group of dedicated advisors with industry, startup, and entrepreneurial experience who support program development and provide connections, technical expertise, and guidance to participating companies.
By providing a unique curriculum tailored to the needs of forest technology and advanced biomaterials manufacturers, the Forest Business Accelerator plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of innovation. The program supports the development of a circular economy that minimizes waste and maximizes the efficient use of forest products, contributing to the long-term health and sustainability of the Northern Forest.