About MadeNear
MadeNear didn't start as a tech company. It started in a kitchen.
It started in a kitchen
Late nights. Melted chocolate. Treats packaged between work shifts, school assignments, and family. What began as IceNg Treats was never just about cake pops or chocolate-covered strawberries — it was about building something of our own in a world where small makers are often invisible.
We learned something quickly: people want to support local businesses. They just don't know where to find them.
The problem isn't talent. It's visibility.
Talented bakers, candle pourers, woodworkers, and artists are everywhere — working from home kitchens, garages, spare bedrooms, and folding tables at weekend markets. Most rely on social media algorithms that change overnight, word-of-mouth, or hoping a post gets seen before it disappears into the feed.
Meanwhile, customers are searching: who makes custom cupcakes near me? Where can I buy homemade treats locally? Is there anyone nearby who makes gift baskets or chocolate-covered strawberries?
The talent is there. The connection isn't. MadeNear was built to close that gap.
Who MadeNear is for
MadeNear is for:
- The maker who stays up until 2 AM finishing orders.
- The parent running a business between school pickups.
- The military spouse rebuilding income after another move.
- The creator with a remarkable product who doesn't have the time, money, or experience to build a full website, run ads, and fight algorithms every day.
And on the other side: the neighbor who wants to buy a birthday cake from a person — not a chain — and who wants their money to mean something.
Sound familiar? Apply to be listed →
What we do
- Hand-vet every maker before they go live.
- Give buyers a real way to search by ZIP and category.
- Send buyers directly to the maker's existing channels — no platform lock-in.
What we don't do
- We don't take a cut of any sale.
- We don't process payments between you and the maker.
- We don't fake reviews, fake maker counts, or fake demand.
How we make money
Listings are free. Phase 3 will introduce an optional paid tier that gives makers more visibility — top placement, more photos, a Featured badge. Free listings are always free; paid only sweetens.
Why this matters
Every handmade order is different when it comes from a small business. It might help pay for school. Cover groceries. Keep a dream alive. Prove to someone that betting on themselves was worth it.
MadeNear isn't just a directory. It's a reminder that behind every small business is a person taking a risk — and those people deserve to be seen.
Get in touch
Questions, suggestions, or want to recommend a maker? Email hello@madenearusa.com, or apply to be listed.