StartupNOLA and GNO, Inc. are bringing an exciting opportunity back to New Orleans this spring. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Walmart’s Road to Open Call will take place at The Shop at the CAC, offering entrepreneurs and small business owners a direct pathway to one of the most competitive retail opportunities in the country.

This pre-event serves as a stepping stone to Walmart’s Annual Open Call event in Bentonville, Arkansas, happening this October. For selected founders, it’s a chance to pitch Made-in-the-USA, shelf-ready products directly to a Walmart sourcing representative—and potentially secure a spot on Walmart shelves.

What is Road to Open Call?

Road to Open Call is an initiative designed to support American manufacturers and product-based small businesses. It provides a unique opportunity for founders to connect directly with Walmart sourcing representatives, gain valuable feedback, and better understand what it takes to scale into national retail.

Approximately 30 companies will be selected to participate in the New Orleans event. Each will have the opportunity to present their product, receive expert coaching, and gain insights into preparing for Walmart’s larger Open Call event.

What to Expect

Selected participants will meet one-on-one with a Walmart sourcing representative during a structured session that includes:

• 15 minutes to pitch your product
• 15 minutes of feedback and coaching

This is more than just a pitch—it’s a chance to refine your approach, understand Walmart’s expectations, and determine whether your business is ready for the next step.

Top performers may be awarded an “Open Call Fast Pass,” which guarantees a spot at Walmart’s Annual Open Call event in Bentonville this October.

Who is Eligible?

This opportunity is designed for founders who are prepared to take their products to a national retail stage. To be eligible, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Made, grown, or assembled in the USA: Products must be produced domestically.
• Shelf-ready: Products must include packaging, a barcode, and a working URL.
• Proven scalability: Applicants should demonstrate experience growing their business, such as working with co-packers or operating manufacturing at scale.
• Purpose-driven products: Products should solve a clear problem or offer meaningful value to consumers.
• Retail operations experience: Founders should understand purchase orders, demand forecasting, and retail distribution requirements.
• Strong marketing performance: Applicants should show evidence of successful campaigns and customer engagement.
• Online sales traction: Demonstrated growth and execution in e-commerce is essential.

Please note: service-based businesses and certain restricted categories are not eligible for this opportunity.

Why It Matters

Breaking into a major retailer like Walmart can be transformative for a growing brand—but it requires preparation, strategy, and a clear understanding of what buyers are looking for. Road to Open Call offers founders a rare chance to receive direct feedback from decision-makers before stepping onto a national stage.

For many entrepreneurs, this kind of access can be the difference between being retail-ready and missing the mark.

Apply Now

Applications for Walmart’s Road to Open Call: New Orleans are open through March 27, 2026.

If you’re building a product-based business and ready to explore what it takes to scale with a major retailer, this is an opportunity worth pursuing.

Apply now to secure your chance to pitch, learn, and take the next step in growing your brand.