From NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
Do you have a “made in Rhode Island” product that deserves a national audience? The application process for Walmart’s eighth annual open call for products made, grown or assembled in the United States is open now through April 30.
The MEP National NetworkTM invites entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their products on Walmart shelves and online to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart merchants on June 30, 2021, via virtual pitch meetings.
In addition to one-on-one pitch meetings with Walmart merchants on June 30, participants will have an opportunity to hear directly from Walmart executives at the hour-long kickoff of the event. Smaller breakout sessions will be available throughout the day where prospective suppliers can learn more on valuable topics and about resources available to them.
New Investment Goals for Products Made in Rhode Island (and the US)
On March 3, we announced a new commitment to American jobs and communities, with a goal of investing $350 billion in products made, grown or assembled in the U.S. over the next 10 years.
It’s estimated that this investment will support more than 750,000 new American jobs. Our open call is one way in which the company supports this commitment.
Also, in the coming months, you will hear more about the NIST MEP launch of American Lighthouses for key supply chains in strategic regions of the country with the goal of supporting U.S. manufacturing in a sustainable, long-term way.
These will bring together participants from the supplier community, including manufacturers and nongovernmental organizations, as well as others from academia, government, and local economic development groups.
The MEP National Network has identified six priority categories to focus our investments and efforts: plastics, textiles, small appliance and electronics, food processing, pharmaceutical and medical supplies, and goods not for resale.
To learn more about Walmart’s eighth annual open call and our strengthened commitment to American jobs and communities, please visit here. Stay connected with the open call conversation on social media with #WalmartOpenCall.
To ensure that your “made in Rhode Island” products are competitive when pitching Walmart or any other major buyer, schedule a free assessment by Polaris MEP!