Hy-Vee’s Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit will be held in Central Iowa this fall, the company announced Monday.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their products Sept. 18 and 19 at Hy-Vee, Inc.’s headquarters in Des Moines, entering the categories of grocery, produce, deli, general merchandise, frozen, dairy, beauty, or health and wellness.
From the online applications, Hy-vee will select 80 businesses to attend the summit in person. The two-day event will offer attendees insight on doing business with the company, industry-specific educational sessions and the opportunity to network with Hy-Vee leaders.
“At Hy-Vee, our focus is on supporting the communities that support our stores, which means elevating the businesses and entrepreneurs who call those communities home,” said Tina Potthoff, senior vice president of communications. “We are elevating our commitment to entrepreneurs by offering capital, coaching and connections so these brands can grow and succeed.”
This year’s event is expanding to “provide more small businesses and entrepreneurs with valuable resources and pitch their products directly to Hy-Vee category managers,” a release stated.
In addition to gaining insight into Hy-Vee’s operations, attendees will receive pointers on growing their business and the tools to be successful, including the possibility of short-term cash infusions and long-term revenue through on-the-spot purchases.
Three small businesses in the early stages of operation from across the country will be selected to compete in a live pitch competition the first day of the event. A $30,000 prize pool will be awarded to the participants.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with retail and supply chain leaders to pitch their products and explore partnership opportunities, the release stated, and selected suppliers will participate in a supplier expo demoing products with Hy-Vee leaders. Additionally, a roundtable discussion will explore the topics of distribution, food safety, finance, merchandising and marketing.
The cost to attend is free, and those interested can apply at https://www.rangeme.com/opportunitysupplierimpact. The deadline to apply is July 14 by 11:59 p.m. and participants will be selected and notified by July 29.
