$20 Million Available for Forest-Sector Business and Workforce Development Projects

Projects will seek to maintain and enhance the forestry sector of California to promote healthy resilient forests throughout the state.

CAL FIRE is soliciting applications for California business and workforce development projects that support healthy resilient forests and the people and ecosystems that depend on them. Competitive projects will sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A total of $20 million in funding is available. Applications will be accepted until midnight on March 8, 2024. To apply, go to the Wood Products and Bioenergy webpage for a link to start your application.

“The CAL FIRE Business and Workforce Development Grant program has been instrumental for the development of both our own biomass utilization facility and so many others across the State of California,” said Matt King of Tuolumne Biomass.

CAL FIRE’s Wood Products and Bioenergy Program supports the creation of a robust and diversified wood products industry to facilitate the economic and sustainable management of California’s forests. This grant funding will create financial incentives for industries to invest in clean technologies, develop innovative ways to process wood products, and support the growth of a strong forest-sector workforce.

A virtual pre-recorded workshop is available to explain the grant process and requirements. Please check the Wood Products and Bioenergy webpage to view the workshop. Questions can be directed to WoodProducts@fire.ca.gov.

Projects that receive funding from this grant program are designed to complement the California Forest Carbon Plan, California’s Natural and Working Lands Implementation Plan, California’s Wildfire & Forest Resilience Action Plan, California’s Strategic Plan for Expanding the Use of Beneficial Fire, and AB 32 Climate Change Scoping Plan.

Business and Workforce Development grants are part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment– particularly in disadvantaged communities.