In celebration of the new program, Nest and Gap Inc. are hosting a vibrant Holiday Makers Market on December 7-8, 2024, at Gap Inc.’s headquarters at 2 Folsom Street in San Francisco. This exciting event will showcase over 40 local artisans selling handcrafted goods, from jewelry and ceramics to woodworking, just in time for holiday shopping. The Holiday Makers Market, typically an internal Gap Inc. event, will now be open to the public, marking the first time non-employee makers are invited to join. This gives local shoppers a fantastic chance to explore unique handcrafted products, meet the artists behind the work, and support the Bay Area’s talented maker community.
What is the Makers United Program?
Nest’s Makers United program has made a significant impact in other cities, including Chicago, Detroit, Birmingham, and New York City. Now, this initiative arrives in San Francisco, offering creative entrepreneurs business training, mentorship, and direct access to larger markets—all at no cost. With a focus on helping small, craft-based businesses grow sustainably, Makers United works to make the creative economy more inclusive.
The program’s approach centers around three key pillars to support local makers:
- Boosting Ecommerce Access and Market Reach
Makers United helps bridge the digital divide affecting BIPOC and other underrepresented makers by providing training in ecommerce and digital tools. With a focus on promoting equitable access, Nest connects artisans with broader market opportunities and helps them showcase their work through various channels—whether online, in stores, or through creative collaborations. - Offering Free Business Training and Resources
The program provides free workshops, both in-person and virtual, covering essential topics like brand building, storytelling, client relationship development, visual merchandising, digital media creation, social media advertising, and online sales. These resources are tailored to help creative small businesses succeed in the digital marketplace. - Strengthening the Maker Microbusiness Ecosystem
Makers United highlights the challenges faced by underrepresented makers in the small-business economy and works to connect them with local, national, and peer resources they need to succeed. The program’s collaborative approach helps build a stronger, more resilient community for solopreneurs and microbusiness owners.
Join the Bay Area’s Creative Community this Holiday Season
The Holiday Makers Market will transform Gap Inc.’s headquarters into a festive hub for local shopping, with interactive craft demonstrations and a chance for visitors to discover and support diverse, handmade goods. Attendees will experience the joy of supporting local makers, discovering one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, and immersing themselves in the rich creative culture of San Francisco.
This partnership between Nest and Gap Inc. is more than just a program; it’s a commitment to San Francisco’s maker community and a celebration of the region’s creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit. Don’t miss the opportunity to support local artisans and discover unique handcrafted gifts this holiday season at the Holiday Makers Market!