By Wood-Mizer, USA
April 15, 2026
In this episode of the Wood Life Podcast, host Dustin Moore sits down with Jennifer Auger and Larry Swan to explore how innovation, collaboration, and strategic funding are transforming the urban wood and forestry industries. Their conversation provides a practical roadmap for navigating grants, building sustainable wood businesses, and unlocking new value in underutilized resources.
How do you turn discarded urban trees into profitable, sustainable products while securing funding to grow your business? For Jennifer Auger, it meant pivoting from traditional logging to urban wood utilization and building a network-driven approach to reclaiming valuable materials. For Larry Swan, it’s been a decades-long mission to support innovation through the USDA Forest Service—helping businesses access technical expertise and funding opportunities that drive long-term success.
We explore how urban wood can shift from waste to high-value products, why collaboration and certification are essential for scaling, and how grants—when used strategically—can accelerate business growth. From navigating the USDA Wood Innovations Grant Program to understanding reporting requirements and matching funds, this episode breaks down the realities of funding in the forestry sector. Whether you're a sawmill owner, entrepreneur, or exploring new opportunities in wood products, this conversation delivers actionable insights for building a resilient, future-focused business
Key Takeaways:
1. Urban Wood is an Untapped Opportunity: Trees removed due to storms, disease, or development can be transformed into high-value lumber and specialty products instead of being discarded.
2. Adaptability Drives Business Growth: Shifting from traditional logging to urban salvage, custom milling, or niche markets can open new revenue streams when markets change.
3. Networks Create Opportunity: Organizations like urban wood networks help break down silos, expand market access, and create shared standards across the industry.
4. Technical Assistance is Readily Available: State forestry offices and the USDA Forest Service provide valuable (often free) support in operations, product development, and business planning.
5. Grants are Strategic Investments: Programs like the USDA Wood Innovations Grant support sustainable, scalable projects—not short-term fixes.
6. Preparation is Key to Grant Success: Strong applications require clear project plans, detailed budgets, and alignment with program goals like sustainability and job creation.
7. Funding Goes Beyond Equipment: Grants can support marketing, facility upgrades, product development, and capacity-building—not just machinery purchases.
Core Grant & Government Resources
- USDA Forest Service – Wood Innovations Program
The main hub for the Wood Innovations Grant Program, including funding opportunities, program overview, and contacts. - USDA Wood Innovations Grant Details & Funding Opportunities
Additional details on grant types, including infrastructure, energy, and product development funding. - USDA Grants Portal (Wood Innovation Opportunities)
Official USDA announcement and application guidance, including eligibility and examples of funded projects.
This episode is now streaming. If you're in the wood products industry—or looking to break into urban wood utilization—share this with your network, leave a review, and subscribe for more insights from the Wood Life Podcast.
“Grants aren’t free money—they’re investments in businesses willing to innovate, adapt, and build for the long term.”
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