Makers Future Fund

The Nest Makers Future Fund is a transformative financial readiness and capital access program designed to connect maker-entrepreneurs and small business leaders with the coaching, funding, and peer support they need to achieve their financial goals and grow their craft businesses. 

Did you know…

Maker-entrepreneurs add vital economic diversity to their local and regional economies. There are active Etsy shops in 99.9% of U.S. counties.

80% of surveyed maker-entrepreneurs say capital access is their primary obstacle to business growth (Nest, 2021).

Support for Success

Through the Makers Future Fund, selected makers will participate in intensive coaching and financial readiness training and receive a $5,000 'business boost' grant.

All US-based craft businesses are eligible to apply for this opportunity.

Applications for the 2026 Makers Future Fund are closed. Please stay tuned for future program updates.

Photo Credit: The Plant Committee

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Makers Future Fund, applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Applicants must be located and producing their handcrafted products in the US

    • Applicants must use a US bank account for managing their business

    • Applicants' businesses must make handcrafted products (i.e., products must be predominantly made by hand, using techniques that involve direct manual effort and craftsmanship). Examples of eligible products include, but are not limited to: textiles, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, small batch personal care products, etc. 

      While the use of hand tools and electric hand tools are permitted (e.g. heat molds/presses, sewing machines, die-cutting machines, etc.), items produced using industrial machinery or 3D printers are not eligible.

    • Have at least one senior team member who can participate throughout the program.
      Be able to dedicate 3-5 hours per week for program participation.

    • Be available for weekly live Q&A sessions held 12-1pm EST every Thursday from January-April 2026.

    • Be willing and able to share basic accounting records for the past 12 months, if selected.

    • Must report more than $15,000 or more in annual revenue for 2024

    • Able to share how the $5,000 grant will be utilized for business needs and growth

Meet the Current Cohort

View all makers

Tailored Training + Mentorship

With structured guidance from peers and mentors, makers will analyze their business models, create financial projections, and develop a long-term business plan to inform how they will invest their grant dollars to maximize a return and bring their ideas to life. Maker participants who are interested and ready for traditional financing opportunities will be paired with lending experts to refine their strategies and prepare for future financing.

Photo Credit: Nashira Arno Studio

Get Involved

Your brand or company can sponsor a branded grant within the Makers Future Fund to support a targeted group of maker-entrepreneurs in key markets or demographics, or for a specific purpose aligned with your brand values.

Grant awards can be powered through give-backs, round-ups, or direct charitable giving and range in size, depending on your desired reach and impact. All grantees will have access to Nest's bespoke suite of resources and programming.