Ten Thousand Villages

Empower Artisans. Build Resilient Futures.

Across the globe, skilled artisans, especially women in vulnerable communities, create extraordinary, handcrafted work. But market access for these craftspeople is shrinking. Longstanding fair-trade retail channels are shrinking, orders are declining, and traditional buyers no longer provide the stability they once did. Artisans now face an urgent hurdle: can they sell consistently, compete effectively, and thrive independently?

For nearly 80 years, Ten Thousand Villages has championed fair trade by purchasing directly, paying fair prices, and centering long-term relationships over short-term gain. 

That’s why we created the Artisan Pathways Program: a transformative approach designed to equip artisans with the tools, training, and confidence they need to navigate today’s shifting economy with independence and resilience.

What is Artisan Pathways?

Launched September 1, our program delivers two essential tracks of support for artisans:

1. Growth Training Program (50+ global artisan partners): This virtual training series helps artisans future-proof their operations by meeting evolving demand. Expert-led modules include:

• Product market research

• Quality control, product safety, and scalability

• Export strategies, including navigating ever-more complex logistical and regulatory challenges

2. Business Accelerator Program (Pilot in Kenya, 9 artisan groups): Focused regionally, this 15-week accelerator combines new and existing artisan groups. It provides:

• Product modernization training aligned with current market trends

• Sales-channel diversification beyond single buyers

• Prototype development and pitching sessions with U.S. buyers—empowering artisans to position their work in competitive markets

Why Now and Why Us?

With almost eight decades of experience, Ten Thousand Villages stands uniquely positioned to deliver this next level of support. As global uncertainty threatens artisan livelihoods and cultural heritage, the work of Artisan Pathways is urgent, strategic, and essential. There’s no organization better equipped to act.

In Artisan Pathways, every artisan becomes more competitive, every trained group expands the reach of fair trade, and every donation cultivates a legacy of resilience, rather than dependency.

Be Part of the Change

• $100 covers essential administrative support across both programs.

• $400 funds seed product development for one artisan in the Business Accelerator.

• $1,000 enables training for three artisans in the Growth Training Program.