Date: April 3rd (8:30am – 6:30pm PST)
Location: LA Area Chamber of Commerce (350 S. Bixel St. Los Angeles, CA 90017)

National ACE is excited 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.

What is Road to Open Call?

This initiative supports American manufacturers by providing product-based small businesses with an exclusive opportunity to meet with a Walmart sourcing representative. A total of 30 applicants will be selected to pitch their shelf-ready products in Los Angeles on April 3, 2025, and receive expert coaching and insights on scaling their business. Of these, the top 10 applicants will receive airfare vouchers from National ACE to cover their Southwest flights.

Los Angeles is the first stop on the Road to Open Call! More opportunities will be available in Austin, Orlando, Kansas City, Atlanta, and beyond.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible, applicants 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 other categories found here will not be accepted in this application process.

Applications are open on a rolling basis until March 14, 2025.

Get a head start on your application! Here’s a preview of the application questions. Please note: All applications must be submitted through Submittable (apply now link below) for consideration. This preview is a tool to help you prepare your online submission.