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How Nest is helping grow the U.S. craft economy

Mastercard Strive ―

Nest helps small-scale makers strengthen the business side of their work, connecting them to training, mentorship, and new market opportunities.

Mastercard Strive

Across the United States, thousands of makers are running small businesses rooted in craft, culture, and community. But turning that craft into a viable and stable business often requires a different set of skills, from pricing and operations to e-commerce and market access, that many maker entrepreneurs are much less familiar with.

Through its Makers United program, Nest is working to close that gap. With support from Mastercard Strive USA, the program helps small-scale makers strengthen the business side of their work, connecting them to training, mentorship, and new market opportunities, centering much of the curriculum around digital tools such as e-commerce. More than 900 U.S. makers have already participated, with over 180 now actively selling through e-commerce platforms.

We sat down with Rebecca van Bergen, Founder and Executive Director of Nest, to talk about what’s changing for small business owners in the craft economy and what it takes to support their growth in a way that reflects how these businesses actually operate.


Mastercard Strive

What makes supporting maker businesses different from traditional small business support?

For many makers, the creative aspects of running a business (like developing products and establishing a brand identity) come naturally, while the operational and administrative aspects are less intuitive. Nest aims to provide creative entrepreneurs with resources and information to address all aspects of building and running their businesses.

What was this work designed to change?

Together with Mastercard Strive USA, Nest supports makers and creative entrepreneurs through Makers United, connecting them to tools, opportunities, and a peer community to help grow their businesses. At its core, the work is about expanding access, not just to training, but to the relationships and market pathways that make growth possible.

What’s changing for makers as a result of this work?

We’re seeing increased visibility for makers, along with growing excitement to connect with peers, reach new audiences, and take advantage of opportunities to expand their businesses. For many, it is also their first time accessing structured business development training or reaching customers beyond their immediate communities.

What are you seeing on the ground across different communities?

Makers’ small business challenges are not universal. Through our location-specific makers United programs, we see how much those challenges are shaped by the local resources and opportunities available, whether in rural areas, suburban communities, or cities. That’s why we begin by listening to makers’ experiences and adapting our support to each community.

How is digital access changing what’s possible for maker businesses?

Improved digital access is opening new doors. Makers are able to connect with training, resources, and community in ways that were not previously possible, especially in rural areas where in-person opportunities and large marketplaces may be limited.

What is the next phase of this work?

With support from partners like Mastercard Strive USA, we’re continuing to invest in makers and creative entrepreneurs by expanding into new regions, offering more in-person workshops, creating new digital training resources, and building partnerships with brands and retailers to open up additional market opportunities.

What gives you optimism about the future of the maker economy?

Makers are creative. Even in uncertain times, there is a strong sense of possibility in how they continue to find ways to support their communities and grow their businesses. That creativity, paired with the right support, is what will continue to move the craft economy forward.








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