Abstract¶
The business world is full of startup stories and legends but they’re not focused on businesses in the wood products industry. Starting a wood products business in California is exceptionally challenging given the lack of infrastructure, permitting, and difficulty in obtaining long-term (>3 years) feedstock contracts from government agencies such as the Forest Service. Funding and finance is challenging given lack of lender expertise in the field and investors wanting returns on a shorter time period. We offer lessons and approaches for new businesses negotiating this challenging environment along with funding and non-funding resources that can pave the way to success.