More than 500 entrepreneurs showed up to pitch their products at Walmart’s 12th annual Open Call, which was held last week at the retailer’s new headquarters in Bentonville, Ark. More than 100 small businesses received “Golden Tickets,” which gives suppliers the opportunity for their products to be sold in Walmart and Sam’s Club stores and online — joining the more than 60% of Walmart U.S. suppliers that are small businesses. 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. Open Call also equips small businesses with practical tools to grow, compete and deliver for customers across the country. Entrepreneurs took part in intensive training and mentorship sessions focused on scaling production, improving packaging and strengthening financial and operational readiness — hearing directly from Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants, sourcing experts and past Open Call alumni about what it takes to succeed at national scale.