Road to Open Call

IMPORTANT DATES

Application Deadline:
April 27th, 2026

Workshop Dates:
May (Dates TBD) 2026

Pitch Event:
May 27th, 2026

An Opportunity to Pitch Your Products Directly to Walmart Buyers

SEED SPOT is proud to partner with Walmart to host a Road to Open Call event!

Road to Open Call is an in-person opportunity to pitch to Walmart buyers. Designed specifically for founders in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region, this exciting opportunity aligns with Walmart’s 10-year, $350 billion commitment to source products from emerging brands that have goods made, grown, or assembled in the U.S. If you’re an entrepreneur with a shelf-ready product, this could be the chance to showcase your brand, receive live feedback, and potentially secure a spot at the 2026 Open Call at Walmart’s headquarters.

Join SEED SPOT and Walmart for a unique opportunity to pitch your product directly to Walmart category buyers. Let your innovation, mission, and craftsmanship shine at the Road to Open Call!

What to Expect

Pitch Live to Walmart Buyers

in Baltimore on May 27th, 2026

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 2026 Open Call event in Bentonville, AR, through a fast-pass opportunity.

Prep Workshops

Hosted by SEED SPOT

Selected entrepreneurs will participate in virtual prep workshops ( date TBD) with accompanying mentorship.
In these sessions, you will learn how to tailor your pitch specifically for Walmart buyers.

Road to Open Call 2025 Outcomes

30 Brands

Pitched live

12 Golden Tickets

Awarded

15 Hours

Buyers feedback

“Walmart is committed to supporting the success of small businesses, and events like the Road to Open Call play a pivotal role in achieving this mission. Through collaborations with organizations like SEED SPOT, we create opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect directly with Walmart and take the next step toward our main Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas. These events serve as a bridge, helping business owners refine their pitches, gain valuable insights, and potentially secure opportunities that can transform their businesses while strengthening U.S. manufacturing and job creation.”

- Mark Espinoza, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Walmart.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is for brands that

Have a product that is made, grown, or assembled in the United States.
Have previous retail and online sales experience and are looking to expand into national retail, including mass-market retailers like Walmart.
Have a shelf-ready product across any Walmart product category that is complete with approved packaging and UPCs.
Have strong marketing and social media strategies.
Are eager to refine their pitch and retail strategy with expert guidance.

Get Involved!

We’re excited to support entrepreneurs on their journey to Open Call. Here’s how you can participate:

Apply by April 27th: If you’re a brand ready to take your business to the next level, apply today! Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis, so get it in early!

Together, we can bring more mission-driven and locally made products to mainstream retail and create more opportunities for American entrepreneurs. Join us on Road to Open Call and take the next step in growing your brand!