Eight entrepreneurs picked at Atlanta event for Walmart’s Open Call auditions

ATLANTA – The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) hosted Walmart’s Road to Open Call on Tuesday, June 23, marking Atlanta as the final stop on Walmart’s national 8-city tour. 

Eight entrepreneurs were selected at the Atlanta event and will move forward as “Fast Pass” holders  from eight cities battling for a chance to have their product sold in  Walmart and Sam’s Club. The “Fast Pass” holders will next head to the “Golden Ticket” Open Call in early Octobe  in Bentonville, Arkansas, where  Walmart’s home office is located.

The Open Call is one of Walmart’s largest sourcing events for Walmart and Sam’s Club. It is a part of Walmart’s commitment to invest an additional $350 billion into products made, grown or assembled in the U.S.

A Day That Delivered

“I went into Walmart stores and sat my product on the shelf,” said Karee Upendo, whose product, Magic Bean Dust, won her the last Fast Pass of the day. “I looked at all my competitors to see what they did better, what their price points were, and what their customers looked like, then I created a special bag amendment specifically as a Walmart exclusive.” 

The energy in the room was a testament to the talent, preparedness, and determination that define Atlanta’s entrepreneurial community.

“The Road to Open Call provides a powerful platform for small businesses to grow and scale,” said Mark Espinoza, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Walmart. “By connecting entrepreneurs directly with our teams, we’re helping bring innovative, U.S.-made products to customers while supporting American jobs and local economies.”

About the Russell Innovation Center for 

Entrepreneurs (RICE)

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs is Atlanta’s premier entrepreneurial hub, dedicated to providing business owners with the resources, partnerships, and community they need to grow and thrive. As one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurial ecosystems, RICE continues to create meaningful pathways for founders at every stage of their journey. This event marks the third time that Walmart has held the city-end tour in Atlanta.

Below are photos of four of the small business owners selected at the Atlanta open call event: 

Karee Upendo and her husband, Avery, showing off their Fast Pass and their winning product, Magic Bean Dust.

Cynthia Tawiah making her way through RICE’s “cheer tunnel” for the start of the event.

Ameka Coleman as she won her Fast Pass.

John Hnilica, Joshua Hnilica and Andrew Chaya, whose product, Shoe-Fix Glue, earned them a Fast Pass.