Makers Future Fund:
Bay Area

The Nest Makers Future Fund: Bay Area, launching in partnership with Gap Inc., is a customized capital access and skill-building program designed to boost financial confidence and connect maker entrepreneurs with the funding and mentorship they need to achieve their financial goals and grow their craft businesses.

Supporting Local Makers

Through the Makers Future Fund, selected makers will participate in intensive coaching and financial readiness training and receive a $2,500 'business boost' grant.

Additionally, the 2026 Gap Inc. x Nest Holiday Makers Market on Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, will be a key part of the Makers Future Fund programming schedule. Makers will be invited to participate in this and other Gap Inc. engagements.

Eligible Bay Area-based craft businesses are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. Applications close on Thursday, September 10. 30 makers will be selected to participate.

Apply today

Photo Credit: The Plant Committee

Eligibility Criteria

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

- Applicants must be located in California’s Bay Area.
  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 virtual Q&A sessions held 12-1pm PST every Thursday from September-November 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 2025.
  Able to share how the $2,500 grant will be utilized for business needs and growth.

Over the course of the 6-month program, participants will receive access to:

Weekly coursework and live review sessions led by the course instructor. Coursework will focus on topics such as inventory management and planning, sales forecasting, product pricing, etc.
Optional office hours for additional guidance and support
Individualized business coaching tailored to their business goals and needs
A $2,500 grant, with $1,250 distributed at the start of the program and $1,250 upon completion
A supportive community of fellow Bay Area makers for connection, peer learning, and continued relationship-building