Hy-Vee is opening its doors to small business owners and entrepreneurs this September with a two-day event designed to connect emerging brands with retail opportunities. The Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit, scheduled for September 18-19 at Hy-Vee’s West Des Moines headquarters, focuses on helping businesses learn the ins and outs of working with a major retailer while providing a platform to showcase their products.
The summit features industry-specific educational sessions tailored to the needs of small businesses aiming to enter or expand in the retail sector. Attendees will have the chance to network with Hy-Vee leaders across procurement, retail store management, and other key sectors. These sessions are intended to provide practical knowledge about supply chain logistics, merchandising, and retail partnership strategies.
A highlight of the event is the live pitch competition. Open to small businesses nationwide in the early stages of growth, the competition offers three selected companies the opportunity to present their products directly to Hy-Vee’s category managers. The stakes are high, with a $30,000 prize pool to be divided among the three participants.
Hy-Vee is currently accepting applications for the summit through July 14. To qualify, applicants must offer retail products in one of the following categories: grocery, produce, deli, general merchandise, frozen, dairy, beauty, or health and wellness. This focus ensures the summit remains relevant to Hy-Vee’s core business and customer base.
For small business owners, this event offers more than just a chance to pitch. It’s an opportunity to gain direct feedback from experienced retail professionals, build relationships with decision-makers, and better understand the requirements for scaling into large retail environments. “We’re always looking for innovative products and passionate entrepreneurs who want to grow alongside us,” a Hy-Vee representative shared.
Key benefits of attending the summit include:
- Access to Hy-Vee’s category managers and procurement leaders
- Educational workshops on retail operations and merchandising
- Networking with peers and industry experts
- Potential to secure shelf space in Hy-Vee stores
- Eligibility for a share of the $30,000 pitch competition prize
For entrepreneurs ready to take their products to the next level, Hy-Vee’s summit represents a unique chance to break into a major retail chain. The event underscores Hy-Vee’s commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering innovation in the retail space.
