The IVMF has teamed up with NaVOBA to share an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners: Walmart’s Road to Open Call! This pre-event serves as a pathway to Walmart’s larger Open Call, giving selected entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their Made in the USA, shelf-ready products directly to a Walmart sourcing representative.
If this event sounds like it is right up your alley – read on! If it doesn’t fit your business, or you’re already on the shelves at Walmart, please share this email with a fellow VOB who could benefit from this opportunity!
This initiative supports American manufacturers by providing veteran-owned, product-based small businesses with an exclusive opportunity to meet with a Walmart sourcing representative. A total of 20 applicants will be selected to pitch their shelf-ready products in Austin, TX, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, and receive expert coaching and insights on scaling their business. This is part of Walmart’s 10-year $350 billion commitment to sourcing goods made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. and we are excited for the opportunity entrepreneurs like you might have at the 2025 Open Call!
What to expect:
- Pitch live to Walmart buyers in Austin on Wednesday, May 21
- Selected entrepreneurs will be assigned a 30-minute meeting with Walmart buyers, where they will pitch their products and engage in a conversation with them
- Participants will receive in-person feedback and mentorship from Walmart representatives
- Walmart will invite well-qualified entrepreneurs to pitch live at its 2025 Open Call event in Bentonville, AR, through a fast-pass opportunity.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, applicants for the Austin event must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Made, Grown, or Assembled in the USA: Products must be manufactured, grown, or assembled domestically.
- Shelf-Ready: Products must be complete with a URL, barcode, and packaging.
- Proven Scalability: Entrepreneurs should demonstrate a history of scaling their business, such as transitioning from self-manufacturing to using a co-packer or establishing their own manufacturing operations. Demonstrated growth experience is required.
- Purpose-Driven Products: Products should solve a problem or provide differentiated value that resonates with consumers.
- Retail Operations Experience: Participants must have experience managing purchase orders, forecasting demand, and understanding the operational requirements of retail distribution.
- Social Media Marketing Proof Points: Entrepreneurs should present evidence of successful marketing activations, including regional campaigns and go-to-market strategies that demonstrate consumer engagement.
- Online Sales Performance: Applicants must be able to highlight their online growth and execution, showcasing their ability to build a robust digital presence.
- Services and these other categories will not be under consideration for participation in this event.
How do I apply?
Visit https://www.navoba.org/WOC to apply to be considered for this exclusive opportunity. Applications will close Wednesday, April 30, with selected participants notified of their acceptance in early May. Selected entrepreneurs will receive onsite, in-person feedback and coaching. Well qualified entrepreneurs may be fast-tracked through the Open Call application process and receive an invitation to pitch live at Walmart’s 2025 Open Call in Bentonville, AR.
Please reach out to mbird02@syr.edu with any questions.
Don’t wait – apply now for an opportunity to pitch your exceptional shelf-ready product that is made in the U.S. directly to a Walmart sourcing representative. This is a significant step towards reaching millions of customers and members. Let your innovation and American craftsmanship shine at the Road to Open Call!