Requests for Proposals
Program to Support Economic Recovery in the Forest Products Sector
Please respond by December 20, 2024
Background
The Forest Recovery Program provides one-time grant funding for economic recovery and development opportunities in the forest products sector to address reduced demand from the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and other industry effects.
The Forest Recovery Program is intended to stabilize and aid in the recovery of Maine’s $8.5 billion forest economy that was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with pandemic-related market shifts as well as supply chain and workforce disruptions that still exist today. This program’s investments in Maine’s forest products sector will provide two key benefits to support the sector. The first benefit of the program is the injection of much needed capital to parts of the industry that faced and continue to face market disruptions, supply chain, and workforce challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health response. The second benefit is investments in Maine businesses and organizations to aid transitions to address new market demands that are a direct result of the COVID – 19 pandemic and related health response, sustainable products, and provide long term stability across the industry.
Project Goals
MTI seeks a qualified organization with a successful track record of supporting strategic projects within the state that address the significant changes that have occurred in the forestry industry due to the pandemic. These strategic projects will address global market shifts in supply and demand, supply chain disruptions, and new technology that impacts the growing, processing, and use of the natural resources from this key sector of our economy.
Although non-discriminatory, this program is narrowly aimed at the forest industry members who have demonstrated injury due to the pandemic. The Maine forest products economy exists primarily in rural parts of Maine. The Forest Recovery Program will target the businesses and organizations that exist in these rural communities and provide for a significant portion of employment, GDP, and both the state and local tax base.
In this first round of funding, $3 million is being made available to 501C3 industry partners and organizations who can demonstrate that this capital will be used to support companies in the forestry products industry that can clearly demonstrate the economic damage caused by the pandemic.
The service provider will use the funding to target existing companies that are developing new technology or new markets that bolster Maine’s forest products sector. Funds can also be used to support new companies with unique and innovative solutions for the forestry industry.
You can view the full RFP here.
Proposals must be received by MTI no later than 5:00 PM on December 20, 2024. Proposals may be electronically transmitted, mailed, or delivered to the attention of Brian Whitney at the address noted below:
Brian Whitney, President
Maine Technology Institute
16 Middle Street, STE 201, Portland, ME 04101
Email: [email protected]
Expanding Maine’s Innovation Ecosystem
Please respond by January 10th, 2025
Background
MTI seeks to expand its reach geographically and demographically through partnerships to further develop a business innovation ecosystem in Maine that will lead to statewide economic growth and quality job creation. We recognize that if Maine is to grow, historically underserved populations must be part of Maine’s economic growth. This program is intended to reach underserved entrepreneurs and help those businesses and individuals gain a foothold in Maine’s innovation economy.
Project Goals
MTI seeks creative sponsorship proposals not to exceed $50,000 to help foster and develop a diverse business ecosystem to grow Maine’s economy, create quality jobs and enable innovative businesses to leverage MTI and other support in the future. Sponsorships can include programming to support or educate startups – this can be technical assistance, one-on-one mentorships, educational programs, etc. Preference will be given to in-person programs as opposed to online programs. We are specifically interested in projects and proposals that are innovative and measurable. Programs must have two phases: a pilot phase, with a smaller budget ($10,000 or less) and upon successful completion of the pilot, a modified (as needed) and scaled-up version. The total budget amount is not to exceed $50,000. In addition, we prefer projects that have partnerships/collaborations and leverage existing infrastructure. Creativity and an innovative approach to supporting entrepreneurs are our top requirements.
You can view the full RFP here.