The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) has selected eight startup companies from across the United States to participate in the 2026 Forest Business Accelerator to help entrepreneurs develop innovative products and services that strengthen the forest and wood products economy. Managed by VSJF, the Forest Business Accelerator brings together early-stage companies for a four-month business development program using the ecosVC Lens of the Market® ACCELERATED curriculum. Participating companies receive mentorship, customer discovery training, industry connections and investor readiness support while competing for a $15,000 award. …The 2026 cohort reflects growing innovation across the forest economy, including advanced building materials, carbon-smart forestry, forest data technologies, biomass utilization, sustainable packaging, carbon fiber manufacturing and automated wood products production. Together, these companies are creating new markets for forest resources, improving forest management and developing products that support a more resilient and sustainable economy.