LIHU‘E — Entrepreneurs in Hawai‘i are invited by Walmart to pitch their products for a space on Walmart or Sam’s Club shelves, as Walmart opens its 11th annual Open Call event.
The Walmart Open Call event provides business owners an opportunity to become Walmart suppliers and reach millions of new customers with their U.S.-made products.
The company is currently accepting applications from business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States to apply for the chance to pitch their products to be sold on store shelves or on Walmart.com and SamsClub.com.
Application forms are available at https://corporate.walmart.com/suppliers/investing-in-american-jobs/events/annual-open-call/open-call-2024. The deadline to be considered is July 15.
Open Call is central to Walmart’s $350 billion commitment to bolster U.S. manufacturing by sourcing shelf-ready products that are made, grown or assembled in the United States. This year’s Open Call will be held on Sept. 24-25, leading up to Manufacturing Month in October.
Since its launch in 2014, Open Call has provided thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, including several Kaua‘i-based firms, with the opportunity to become Walmart suppliers and reach millions of new customers with their U.S.-made products.
During last year’s Open Call event, Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants reviewed more than 1,000 pitches from more than 700 businesses from all 50 states.
Entrepreneurs who secure a “golden ticket” — a deal for Walmart to sell their products in stores or online — can gain access to a vast customer base, enabling significant growth.
Following the earning golden tickets, Open Call winners often go on to grow their manufacturing footprints and create jobs within their local communities.
All Open Call entrepreneurs will participate in mentoring sessions with Walmart leaders and hear from special guests, gaining invaluable business insights and resources.
Additionally, each entrepreneur will have a one-on-one pitch meeting with Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants, providing the entrepreneur to gain valuable business advice and guidance.
