Walmart has unveiled Grow with US, a new initiative designed to help American small businesses navigate the complexities of becoming a Walmart supplier and expand their reach in stores and online. The four-step voluntary program offers education, mentorship, exposure opportunities, and financial support.
The announcement comes as Walmart continues to emphasize its commitment to U.S.-based businesses. More than 60% of Walmart’s suppliers are small businesses, and over two-thirds of its total product spend goes to items made, grown, or assembled in the United States.
The Grow with US program includes:
- Learn: Access to Walmart’s free Supplier Academy featuring 30 e-learning modules across four learning paths.
- Get Discovered: Product showcase opportunities are available through Walmart’s U.S. Open Call, RangeMe platform, and Marketplace.
- Mentorship: Personalized support from experienced retail mentors.
- Financing: Access to Walmart’s Early Payment Program and Bridge Marketplace for eligible participants.
The announcement was made during the opening of Milo’s Tea Company’s newest manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Chair and CEO Tricia Wallwork highlighted Milo’s journey from delivering tea to a single Walmart store in Birmingham, Alabama, to its current availability in nearly every Walmart nationwide. The brand’s success story mirrors Walmart’s broader mission to support American entrepreneurship.
In addition to Grow with US, Walmart will open applications for its 2025 Open Call event on June 24. This annual pitch competition, taking place October 7–8 in Bentonville, Arkansas, allows U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses to present shelf-ready products directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club buyers.
To build excitement, Walmart will host regional Road to Open Call pop-up events throughout May in the following cities:
- May 1 – Orlando, FL
- May 9 – Kansas City, MO
- May 13 – Baltimore, MD
- May 21 – Austin, TX
Small businesses interested in participating can register on Walmart.com/OpenCall and provide a voluntary SBA certification or request small business verification through Walmart.
With Grow with US and Open Call, Walmart is expanding its global network of support programs for entrepreneurs, which also includes Crece con Walmart in Mexico and Vriddhi in India.
