Artisan Accelerators

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 Artisan Accelerator 7MILLION Workshop.

Equipping Enterprises to Scale Growth

Nest’s flagship program, the Artisan Accelerator, quips social entrepreneurs with a suite of targeted resources to drive their business growth and social impact in the handcraft sector. Participants gain access to key learning resources and develop new skills to strengthen their business operations, develop and market their products, and support their workers and communities.

Social enterprises with a demonstrated commitment to sustainability or environmental practices, international trade show or international retailer experience, and an average 3-year revenue growth with the desire to scale are encouraged to apply.

Applications for the 2025 Artisan Accelerator program will be accepted from Friday, November 1, through Sunday, December 8.

Photo Credit: 7 MILLION Workshop

Program Impact

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

Nest Artisan Accelerator Tribal Textile Ladies.

Upskilling the Businesses of Tomorrow

In 2023, as effects of climate change were being felt acutely around the world, Nest welcomed a new class of handcraft enterprises with a focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability into the Artisan Accelerator. These inspiring, future-focused businesses will receive a suite of tailored programming designed by Nest and industry experts during the 18-month program period.

Photo Credit: Tribal Textiles

Artisan Lesli Robertson, Founder at Mekeka Designs headshot.

Lesli Robertson, Founder, Mekeka Designs

“Mekeka Designs began the Artisan Accelerator at just the right time. It is giving us an incredible opportunity to pause, rethink, and restructure, so that we are strategically moving forward with purpose and control over how we grow our studio. As we begin to move into the interior design world, we realize that as much as we need a plan and focus, we can’t stop being creative and innovative, while emphasizing the sustainable indigenous materials that makes our work unique.”