Walmart has begun accepting applications for its 10th annual Open Call event, inviting small business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for the opportunity to pitch their products to be sold on Walmart or Sam’s Club shelves, or on Walmart.com, with applications being accepted until Aug. 18.
Open Call is part of Walmart’s 10-year, $350 billion commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing by sourcing products that are made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.
The program has allowed Walmart to achieve its previous $250 billion commitment. Open Call will take place on Oct. 24 and 25 this year, during Manufacturing Month 2023.
In 2014, Walmart first opened its doors to more than 500 vendors. Since then, Open Call has provided added opportunities, with more than 1,100 small and medium businesses participating last year. Today, Open Call is the largest sourcing event for Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Open Call allows entrepreneurs who earn a “golden ticket” — signifying a deal for Walmart to sell their products on its shelves or online — to reach new customers, enabling them to grow. Through Open Call, Walmart states it has helped thousands of small and medium businesses, with many expanding their U.S. manufacturing footprints and creating new manufacturing jobs in local communities.
All Open Call finalists will have access to mentoring sessions with Walmart leaders and special guests, where they can gain valuable business insights and resources. Plus, each finalist will have a one-on-one pitch meeting with Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants.
To learn more about the process and to apply, visit here.
