Programs

Nest will customize capacity programs for each community specifically tailored to the needs of the business. The main services that will be provided, include, but are not limited to, the following:

Business Training
Product Development and Design Expertise
Production Facilities and Safety
Access to Materials
English and Literacy Classes
Technology Development
Leadership Development
Microbartering Loans

Mission Learn about what we believe » Process Learn about how we work »

Business Training
Product Development and Design Expertise
Production Facilities and Safety
Access to Materials
English and Literacy Classes
Technology Development
Leadership Development
Microbartering Loans

Business Training

Using Nest’s curriculum: From Creativity to Self-Sufficiency: Nest’s Business Curriculum for Artisans, Nest teaches artisan communities the skills necessary for exporting and high-quality production. The curriculum teaches basic business skills, product development, financial literacy, marketing, how to appeal to consumers while preserving artistic integrity, environmentally-sensitive production methods, professional presentation and pricing — all essential skills for our targeted businesses.

Product Development and Design Expertise

Nest seeks out highly-qualified design experts to work on an individual basis with the artisan businesses in order to pair traditional craft work with contemporary design aesthetics. Developing and producing high-quality products is the linchpin of a successfully growing artisan project. As such, Nest advances the quality and marketability of all products through design inputs, product development consultants and partnerships with established design houses.

Production Facilities and Safety

Nest works with the artisan communities to establish working environments that are safe and have the ability to increase production to keep up with demand.

Access to Materials

When artisan communities are rural or unable to regularly obtain high-quality and consistent supplies, Nest helps them find the materials needed. Nest also works to link artisans to other suppliers including tags, packaging and labels that will be necessary for large-scale production.

English and Literacy Classes

Two of the most common barriers to the successful transition of an artisan community from assistance to sustainability are language barriers and literacy. While not directly related to craft, they are essential for the leader to effectively manage and handle global clients and production orders. Nest helps locate and provide consistent and on-going English and literacy tutoring to artisan leaders.

Technology Development

Technology needs to be developed in the communities so that global orders can be managed effectively and efficiently. The artisans in Nest communities are trained on digital photography and email to ensure smooth production processes.

Leadership Development

Each business must be led by a strong and effective leader. This artisan should be able to facilitate and organize effective communications and operations with the entire group. Nest conducts leadership training to ensure that that the community can run successfully after the Nest project is complete.

Microbartering Loans

Microbarter allows craftsmen to repay interest-free loans in crafts they make rather than cash, thereby eliminating many of the practical and cultural limitations associated with traditional borrowing and microfinance. The consistent repayments also allow the artisans to begin testing production and give Nest a chance to regularly work on quality and design issues.