Walmart Introduces "Nurture American Entrepreneurs" Initiative to Bolster Small Domestic Enterprises
Unleashing Small Business Potential: Walmart's Grow with US Program
Hey there! Walmart's just rolled out a new game-changer for American entrepreneurs - the Grow with US program! This voluntary four-part extravaganza is specifically designed to help US-based small businesses thrive in Walmart stores and online Marketplace. John Furner, the big cheese of Walmart U.S., announced this newbie on April 29, stating, "We want small businesses to team up with Walmart, but we know the process can seem complex."
Wondering what's in store? The Grow with US program breaks down into four key components:
- Schooling and Skill-building: Get your hands on access to Walmart's Supplier Academy, boasting 30 e-learning modules across four core learning paths:
- Welcome Aboard, Walmart 101: Kick things off with a crash course on Walmart's ins and outs.
- Retail Readiness Masterclass: Tackle the challenges of retail operations and sales.
- Fundamentals 101: Brush up on the essential business skills needed for long-term success.
- ** innovations**: Dive deep into revolutionary techniques to improve your business game.
- Product Presentation Opportunities: Strut your stuff by exhibiting your products via various platforms, such as:
- The Great Expo (Open Call): A yearly event where you pitch your products to Walmart and Sam's Club merchants.
- The Matchmaking Platform (RangeMe): A dating app for suppliers and major retailers to strike up a sizzling business connection.
- The Online Bazaar (Walmart Marketplace): Showcase your wares to a broader audience online.
- Wisdom Whisperer: Get guided by experienced pros who offer valuable insights to navigate the retail maze.
- Greasing the Gears: Hustle with Financial Help: Qualified small businesses can score financial aid through Walmart's Early Payment Program and Bridge Marketplace, meaning better cash flow and increased stability.
According to Walmart, over half of its US suppliers are small businesses, and over two-thirds of its product spend is on homegrown merchandise. Mr. Sam's 40-year-old vision of backing American-made products and the companies behind them? Still very much alive!
Grow with US joins Walmart's existing global small business support initiatives, like Crece con Walmart in Mexico and Vriddhi in India. American entrepreneurs can jump in by registering as a small business and offering a voluntary SBA certification or asking for small business verification.
Exciting news? Applications for the 2025 Open Call event go live on June 24! With roots in Dreamville (Bentonville, Arkansas), this is your chance to face Walmart and Sam's Club merchants in person. Before that, tune into Walmart's Road to Open Call pop-up pitch events during Small Business Month. These shindigs let you hang out with Walmart buyers, receive live feedback, and potentially secure a VIP pass to Dreamville. Event stops include sunny Orlando, Florida on May 1, vibrant Kansas City, Missouri on May 9, history-laden Baltimore, Maryland on May 13, and groovy Austin, Texas on May 21.
As Furner puts it, "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, and there are a million tales of businesses like Milo's flourishing with Walmart. So, here's to embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and celebrating the power of dreams – long live Grow with US!"
Now get out there and make that dream a reality! 🚀💼💥💰
Small businesses can take advantage of Walmart's Grow with US program to learn essential skills and access innovative techniques to boost their business games. Qualified small businesses may also receive financial aid through Walmart's Early Payment Program and Bridge Marketplace to improve cash flow and stability.
As a small business owner, you can apply for the 2025 Open Call event on June 24, and attend Walmart's Road to Open Call pop-up pitch events during Small Business Month for the opportunity to secure a VIP pass to Walmart's headquarters, receive live feedback, and potentially showcase your products in Walmart stores and online Marketplace.
