Nest (NEST)

The Nest guild: the Nest guild is an ever-growing global network of 2,600+ handcraft enterprises and maker businesses in 125+ countries. While representing a diversity of craft types from basket weaving to hand dyeing, ceramics, and woodworking guild members are united in their pursuit of sustainable business growth and social impact in their communities. It's free to join the Nest guild, and artisan and maker members receive access to ongoing resources and programs. This network impressive showcases the power and reach of the creative economy. Guild members gain access to exclusive opportunities including Nest's application-based business accelerators, financing opportunities, and pro bono mentorship provided through Nest's network of industry professionals and corporate partners. They may also benefit from market access support and consideration for sourcing opportunities with our growing network of brand partners. On average, guild members actively involved in Nest programming were each able to generate $80,000 in new revenue in 2023! 85% of guild members said that their involvement in Nest programming has increased their confidence to grow their business. 61% of members said that involvement in Nest programming increased their opportunities for generating revenue 60% of members stated that they are more connected to resources and the support network they need to grow their businesses since joining the guild. 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. 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! 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. Nest's artisan business accelerators are application-based, intensive, and holistic programs that provide high potential handcraft businesses and social enterprises from the Nest guild with the support they need to become vital players in the international marketplace. Nest's flagship program, the artisan accelerator, continues to establish itself as the preeminent accelerator of artisan businesses equipping highly motivated social entrepreneurs with a suite of targeted programming to drive their business growth and social impact in the handcraft sector. Handcraft enterprises that participate in any of Nest's business accelerator programs gain access to key learning resources and develop new skills to complement and strengthen their business operations, develop and market their products, and support their workers and communities. 78 artisan businesses representing over 38 countries have participated in the flagship artisan accelerator since the program's inception in 2018 81% of participating businesses across Nest's accelerator programs are women-led and collectively employ 34,000+ artisans, 77% of whom are women $30m+ in total revenue reported by 2022 artisan accelerator participants, which proves the financial sustainability and success of artisan businesses in the program 26% increase in production reported by artisan accelerator participants, which is vital for maintaining product quality and meeting market demands.

Research & advocacy: makers united brings visibility to under-represented makers and the challenges they face to inclusion in the micro- and small-business economy by mapping the regional landscape of small business supports and connecting the dots between makers and the local, national, and peer resources they need. We publish a report that showcases the opportunities for the creative economy in each city we work in to help build a strong ecosystem of support for makers. Nest's research and advocacy initiatives aim to bring industry and public awareness to the often overlooked and under-represented handworker sector. From thought leadership pieces to concise research briefs and full reports, Nest's publications investigate research topics that are timely and important to the sector and aim to synthesize results in a way that can be conveyed with ease to any audience.

Handworker sector consulting: Nest's ethical handcraft program is revolutionizing the industry by making homework a safe and viable option for workers worldwide. Leveraging international labor organization principles, Nest developed the first-ever set of universally applicable standards and verification methodology for decentralized supply chains in the unregulated informal economy. Estimates suggest that around the world 300 million people, the majority of whom are women, are working from their homes or small workshops to support fashion and home decor production. This work ranges from skilled-based labor like hand-knotting rugs and sewing soles onto shoes, to stringing beaded jewelry, crafting decorative tassels, folding tissue paper, and packing poly bags. For these workers, handwork offers them an opportunity to earn an income while caring for their families and limits the need for long and sometimes dangerous travel into cities. Launched at the united nations alongside a committee of founding brands and retailers, the program has reached supply chains on 5 continents. Today, Nest partners with brands like target, west elm, pottery barn, and patagonia to implement ethical handcraft programming within select supply chains. This provides them with greater insight into their production and enables them to make better-informed sourcing decisions and impactful corporate policies. 57% increase in the number of businesses that have policies on critical rights and wellbeing for home-based workers 72% increase in the number of businesses that have a set minimum hiring age; a necessary benchmark to limit child labor 78% increase in the number of businesses that have set environmental protection guidelines for their production.fee for service programs: Nest's sourcing services advance transparency, social wellbeing, and economic opportunity for global artisans and us makers by facilitating matches between brands and designers and Nest's network of artisans and makers. Nest collaborates with industry-leading brands including chlo, ralph lauren, tory burch, west elm, and madewell to celebrate the beauty and artisanship of makers in the united states and artisan business leaders worldwide through curated handcrafted collections. Nest believes that sustainable economic growth for artisans is achieved through transparent sourcing relationships, which is why Nest connects brands and designers with handcraft vendors or independent makers directly. We never require exclusivity agreements that may inhibit an artisan business' ability to grow and encourage celebration and storytelling for the artisans involved. Nest's model fosters successful long-term relationships between makers and brands. Our consultations, reports, and retainer services support the creation of craft vendor profiles with beautiful product photos, details on the techniques, as well as contact information, approximate prices and lead times. All of Nest services include an exclusive artisan best practice training based on Nest's two decades of experience for corporate teams, as well as marketing and storytelling support for launches. Nest partners with designers, brands, and retailers of all sizes to provide highly customized sourcing services and deliver innovative impact solutions which prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and circularity. Through customized initiatives, like the etsy's uplift makers program, and unique upcycling solutions, we work alongside brands to develop opportunities to support us makers and global artisans that extend beyond sourcing to benefit individuals, families, and communities.