The Forest Products Accelerator is a four month program for North American startup and seed stage companies that are commercializing new and improved products, services, and technology. Companies get expert advice and tools to build a market validated business case, model, and operating plan, along with connections to industry players and resources.
The Accelerator focuses on three broad areas, low grade wood and forest byproducts, technology that improves forestry operations, and advanced wood heat and energy.
Program Benefits
- Connections to industry experts and key players in the forest and wood products value chain to gain insight and guidance on the forest products market for your company and for connections to customers and suppliers.
- Comprehensive program that offers coaching, curriculum, webinars, and panels to develop and refine your business case, business model, and go-to market plan.
- Partnerships with universities, labs, and national businesses to access research and databases, testing and prototyping, and paid pilots.
- A hybrid program with both virtual and in-person components that provides financial support for participant travel and lodging for two trips to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom to connect in-person with other cohort participants, coaches, and industry players.
Timeline
April 1: Application opens
June 17: Application closes
July 18: Accelerator prework begins
August 1-2: 2-day virtual kickoff
August 29- September 1: Sprint 1, Lyndonville, VT
October 10-12: Sprint 2, Virtual
November 14-16: Sprint 3, Lyndonville, VT
OUR ADVISORS
The Forest Products Accelerator is guided by a group of dedicated advisors with industry, startup, and entrepreneurial experience. They support program development and provide industry connections, technical expertise, and guidance to companies participating in the Accelerator.
Jared Reynolds
Do North Coworking
Eli Gould
Quebec Wood Export Bureau
Jay Shafer
Northview Weather
Jeff Meller
Attorney
Christine McGowan
Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund
Tabitha Bowling
Scout Handbags
Scott Holston
Vermont Small Business Development Center
Ann Nygard
Northern Vermont University
Ryan Hanrahan
California Closets
Joseph Steig
ecosVC
Judy Giordan
ecosVC
John Howard
Entrepreneur / Advisor
Mike Rubin
Boise Cascade Company
There are more than 2,400 forestry and logging jobs in Vermont.
Our Sponsors
The Forest Products Accelerator is made possible by support from the Northern Borders Regional Commission. To continue this program and support innovation and commercialization in the forest industry, we are actively seeking support and partnerships with businesses and organizations.
Accelerator sponsors support industry innovation and receive recognition, access to the next generation of innovation and ideas, and a range of other benefits. For more information on supporting the Forest Products Accelerator, emails us at info@forestaccelerator.org.
