Nest

Nest's Makers United is building a more vibrant and inclusive makers movement across the United States by providing maker entrepreneurs who often face barriers to accessing the support they need with the resources and market access opportunities they need to thrive. With a focus on elevating BIPOC makers and delivering innovative market access solutions, Makers United ensures that the growing American makers movement is generating opportunity for all makers regardless of gender, race, economic means or ability.

The Makers United network serves 1,032 entrepreneurs with maker businesses employing 9,145 individuals across 36 states in the
United States, and Puerto Rico. Among this network, 93% of entrepreneurs identify as women and/or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and this includes 686 women makers and 391 BIPOC makers. Almost three-quarters of makers (73%) shared that Nest's programs have increased their opportunities for revenue since joining the Makers United network, and more than half (59%) shared that this has resulted from engagement in just the last year. Additionally, 9 out of 10 of makers reported an increase in their confidence in growing their business.

Makers United is committed to economic inclusion and to addressing the unique challenges creative entrepreneurs face in developing, growing, and sustaining small businesses. The program has been implemented in Birmingham, Austin, San Antonio, Detroit, New York City, Puerto Rico, and now in the city of Nest's founding -- St. Louis.