The dream of seeing your product on a major retailer’s shelf can feel just out of reach. The connections, the capital, the logistics. It’s a lot to navigate when you’re building on your own.

But every year, Walmart opens a door. And this year, the door is opening again.

Open Call 2026 is Walmart’s largest sourcing event for entrepreneurs. Selected business owners get a 30-minute, one-on-one pitch meeting with a Walmart or Sam’s Club merchant. The prize? A deal that could put your product in stores, online, or on Marketplace, reaching millions of customers.

Products must be made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. to be considered. This is about investing in American jobs, including the ones we’re creating.

What Happens at Open Call

The event runs October 6-7, 2026, in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Selected entrepreneurs participate in a 30-minute one-on-one pitch meeting with merchants. These meetings can lead to deals ranging from a handful of local stores to supplying hundreds of locations, plus placement on Walmart.com and Walmart Marketplace.

Beyond the pitches, Open Call includes breakout sessions designed to inform, empower, and encourage business owners at every stage. Many sessions are available virtually. Last year, more than 100 entrepreneurs secured deals.

The Road to Open Call Tour

Before the main event, Walmart is hitting the road. The Road to Open Call Tour stops in cities across the country, giving entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their products and receive feedback on their pitches. Selected participants can earn a fast pass to the main event in Bentonville.

Here are the 2026 tour dates and application deadlines:

• Los Angeles, CA – Thursday, April 9 (Apply by March 20)
• New Orleans, LA – Wednesday, April 15 (Apply by March 27)
• Dallas, TX – Thursday, May 14 (Apply by April 24)
• Orlando, FL – Thursday, May 21 (Apply by May 1)
• Baltimore, MD – May 25-29 (Apply by May 8)
• Indianapolis, IN – Thursday, June 11 (Apply by May 22)
• Salt Lake City, UT – Thursday, June 18 (Apply by May 29)
• Atlanta, GA – Wednesday, June 24 (Apply by June 5)

For Latina entrepreneurs without retail connections, the tour is a rare opportunity to get feedback and visibility.

Who Should Apply

Open Call is looking for two types of businesses:

• Product-based businesses with items that are made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. Think food, beverages, household goods, beauty products.
• Innovation-focused companies with solutions to supply chain challenges like raw material shortages, waste reduction, or emissions.

There are some category restrictions. Items like tobacco, pharmaceutical drugs, CBD products, and certain farm and ranch equipment are not accepted. Check the full Open Call FAQs before applying.

How to Apply

The application process runs through RangeMe.com, a product discovery platform used by retailers and suppliers to connect. Here’s what you need to know:

• Create a free account on RangeMe.com now. Don’t wait for the deadline. Building a robust product portfolio and supplier profile takes time, and completing it early streamlines the process once registration opens.

• Submit your application through the exclusive Open Call link when registration goes live. All submissions must be made through RangeMe to be considered.

• Check your category eligibility before applying. Make sure your products meet the “made, grown, or assembled in the U.S.” requirement and aren’t on the restricted list.

• Watch for email updates. After the application period closes, selected companies will receive invitations outlining which category and product were chosen for the merchant meeting.

What Happens If You’re Selected

If your application is accepted, you’ll receive an email invitation to attend. Selected companies can bring one attendee to Bentonville for the main event.

Your product pitch should focus on the items listed in your confirmed meeting invitation. Stick to the category you were selected for. Bring your best presentation. This is your 30 minutes to make an impression.

If you’re asked to join Walmart Marketplace, review the Marketplace Prohibited Products Policy carefully before moving forward.

Why This Matters for Latina Entrepreneurs

Walmart has committed to investing $350 billion in U.S.-made products by 2030. They’ve already reached $176 billion toward that goal. About two-thirds of the U.S. product spend is now domestically sourced, supporting over 750,000 American jobs.

Latina-owned businesses are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, starting at six times the national average. Yet less than 1% of venture capital funding goes to us.

Open Call is different. It’s merit-based. No VC connection required. No Ivy League network needed. Just your product, your pitch, and your potential.

If you’ve been building from your kitchen, garage, or small-leased space, this is your chance to scale. Don’t let it pass.