Registration for Walmart's open call event runs through Aug. 18. Walmart image

Walmart has opened registration for its 10th-annual Open Call, inviting entrepreneurs from across the county to meet its buyers and potentially get their products on store shelves.

The event — a hybrid of virtual and in-person meetings at Walmart’s Bentonville, Arkansas headquarters — gives businesses an opportunity to tout their shelf-ready products that must be made, grown or assembled in the U.S. to be sold at Walmart and Sam’s Club stores or online.

 

Local entrepreneurs have been selected for the event in the past. Last year, Fresno-based Sierra Soups won a place on Walmart’s website selling its soup mixes. CEO Erin Backowski said it took three tries participating in Open Call to win the opportunity.

Past local participants include Poindexter Nut Co. in Selma and Livia Global of Visalia, maker of liquid probiotics.

Registration for Open Call 2023 runs through Aug. 18. Invited suppliers will be notified Sept. 21, with webinars and development programs kicking off in September and October. The event days are Oct. 24-25.

Last year, more than 4,500 entrepreneurs applied to take part in Open Call, with 13,000-plus products registered. Over the last 10 years, Open Call has provided more than 9,000 opportunities for small and medium businesses.