Makers United
Makers United is building a more inclusive community of U.S. maker-entrepreneurs and craftspeople by co-creating an ecosystem where BIPOC and low- income makers feel recognized and represented, and have access to the tools they need to grow their businesses – and thrive.
A subset of Nest’s global network of creative entrepreneurs, Makers United elevates the voices of diverse makers in the United States to ensure that the growing American Makers Movement is generating opportunity for all makers regardless of gender, race, economic means or ability.
Opportunities For Growth
Makers United is committed to building a better connected ecosystem for makers. To do this, Nest maps the local landscape of small business support and connects the dots between makers and the local, national, and peer resources they need. Additionally, through the program, creative entrepreneurs can gain access to exclusive opportunities like the Madewell Maker Collective, Etsy’s Uplift Makers Program, Nest’s flagship Makers Future Fund, and more!
Where We Work
Makers United reaches makers and creative entrepreneurs in 47 states and several territories with a growing library of digital resources and a calendar of online learning events.
Nest supports historically marginalized communities across the US and invests in the preservation of important craft traditions. These special programs include work with Gee’s Bend Quilters of Alabama, the Gullah Weavers of South Carolina, Native and Indigenous craftspeople, makers in Appalachia, NYC’s Garment District, the craft community in Puerto Rico. Additionally, we have a regional program for arriving immigrants and refugees in 4 states.
Get Involved
Makers United members receive access to Nest Connect, an exclusive digital hub featuring a growing library of business development resources prepared by industry experts, opportunities to participate in in-person local workshops in select communities, and the chance to apply for Nest’s more intensive accelerators and financing programs. All of the resources provided to members of the Makers United network are free to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all.
Lin Bader, Founder + Jeweler, Lin Bader Design
“As a young jewelry business, the Makers United program has been guiding me through every major milestone and providing invaluable opportunities like in-person workshops, mentorship, trade show exposures, grant programs… [it] is the community I can turn to for advice, guidance, and a sense of belonging.”
Going Deeper
Makers United brings visibility to under-represented maker entrepreneurs across the US. The program is driven by participant voice: leveraging human-centered design, makers co-create programs with Nest based on their specific business priorities. They drive their experience as we equitably match resources to needs.
Through Makers United, Nest is committed to expanding market access by bridging the digital divide that disproportionately affects BIPOC and low-income makers by increasing their access to ecommerce opportunities and working with them to develop the digital literacy needed to succeed.