Walmart recently held its 12th annual Open Call, welcoming more than 500 entrepreneurs from 47 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., who each came ready to pitch products made, grown or assembled in the United States.
More than 100 businesses received Golden Tickets, which offer suppliers the opportunity to sell their products at Walmart and Sam’s Club in-store and online – joining the more than 60 percent of Walmart U.S. suppliers that are small businesses.
Standout recipients include Grandma Betty’s Grits, Vaquero Snacks and Scentsational Soaps and Candles.
“Open Call is Walmart at its best, backing American jobs, lifting up small businesses and offering customers new products they’ll love,” said John Furner, president and CEO for Walmart U.S.
“For the past 12 years, the event has helped entrepreneurs grow and, in the process, helped boost U.S. manufacturing.”
In 2021, Walmart announced a $350 billion, 10-year commitment to purchase products made, grown or assembled in the U.S., an initiative estimated to support up to 750,000 jobs through its supply chain.
As of the end of last year, Walmart increased cumulative U.S. spend by $176 billion toward its $350 billion goal, and about two-thirds of Walmart U.S. product spend was on goods suppliers reported were sourced domestically.
In addition to product pitches, Open Call 2025 included presentations from 13 companies developing technologies that support U.S. manufacturing. These innovations ranged from shelf-life extension and yield optimization to alternative materials and advanced production techniques aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs. Some participants included Plantible, Loom 3D and Blum Agtec.
Open Call also equips small businesses with tools to grow, compete and deliver for customers across the country.
Entrepreneurs took part in training and mentorship sessions focused on scaling production, improving packaging and strengthening financial and operational readiness. They heard from Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants, sourcing experts and past Open Call alumni about what it takes to succeed at national scale.
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