Wood Products Industry Equity Incentive Grant Program

The Wood Products Industry Equity Incentive Grant Program (WPIEI), administered by the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), is a targeted initiative aimed at strengthening Maryland’s forest products sector. MARBIDCO, which serves to support the economic viability of Maryland’s agricultural and resource-based industries, has launched this grant to reinforce the long-term sustainability, productivity, and market expansion capabilities of forestry businesses within the state. For FY 2026, the Maryland General Assembly and the Governor have authorized a total of $125,000 for the WPIEI program, to be awarded to a single large-scale, high-impact project that supports value-added wood production and job creation. This program is designed to provide matching equity incentive grants of up to 25% of a project's total cost, capped at a maximum grant amount of $125,000. The funding must be used for the acquisition of specialized forestry and logging equipment or for facilities improvement projects, with all purchases requiring a useful life of seven years or more. Examples of qualifying equipment and facilities improvements include sawmills, dry kilns, primary and secondary wood processing systems, optimization systems for fiber yield recovery, and other capital equipment specifically designed for the forest products industry. Eligible applicants must be primary or secondary wood products processors and may include sole proprietorships, partnerships, cooperatives, corporations, or LLCs operating within Maryland. The total project budget must meet or exceed $500,000 to be considered, and a matching contribution—whether in the form of equity, a bank loan, or a MARBIDCO loan—is required. MARBIDCO encourages applications that demonstrate the potential for value-added production, defined as the transformation of basic wood materials like logs and pulp into higher-value products, and that support measurable job creation or expansion. Applicants are required to submit a completed and signed application form, a comprehensive business plan that outlines job creation and market expansion goals, a detailed project budget with a list of intended purchases, a tax return from the most recent year (2023 or 2024), and documented proof of matching funds. The application deadline is November 14, 2025. Submissions may be made electronically, or by mail postmarked on or before that date. All approved applicants will be notified by February 15, 2026, and must have completed all purchases or contracted improvements by May 31, 2026. Notably, expenses incurred prior to September 1, 2025, are ineligible. Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon presentation of proof of payment, or directly to vendors upon submission of approved invoices. As only one award will be granted under this program for FY 2026, MARBIDCO emphasizes the importance of submitting competitive, clearly detailed proposals. For more information or assistance with the application process, prospective applicants can contact Brian Cadden at 410-267-6807 or via email at bcadden@marbidco.org. Physical submissions should be sent to MARBIDCO, Wood Products Industry Equity Incentive Grant c/o Brian Cadden, 1410 Forest Drive, Suite 21, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Emphasize value-added production and job creation to maximize competitiveness