Atlanta, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Two entrepreneurs from metro Atlanta, Tiffany Krumins of Opu Probiotics and Sandy L. Poag of Unique Southern Foods, have been chosen to pitch to Walmart executives. Their selection came after a recent event at a Walmart store in Marietta, part of the ‘Road to Open Call’ program aimed at connecting small businesses with national distribution opportunities. Both entrepreneurs are excited about presenting their innovative products in Bentonville, showcasing the collaboration between Walmart and local entrepreneurs.
Atlanta – Two local entrepreneurs from the metro Atlanta area have been selected to pitch their innovative products to Walmart executives as part of the company’s ongoing initiative to support small businesses. Tiffany Krumins, founder of Opu Probiotics, and Sandy L. Poag, of Unique Southern Foods, will present their creations in Bentonville, Arkansas, thanks to their participation in a recent pitching event.
The pitching event was hosted at a Walmart store in Marietta and was part of the “Road to Open Call” program, which took place at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in Atlanta on June 24, 2025. Over 30 small businesses represented a variety of industries, including food and beverage, beauty, safety, and consumer goods, to showcase their innovative products to Walmart’s sourcing team.
Opu Probiotics, co-founded by Krumins, who gained fame as a participant on the television show Shark Tank, specializes in prebiotics and probiotics aimed at supporting gut health. Meanwhile, Poag’s business, Unique Southern Foods, is dedicated to revitalizing traditional Southern recipes and culinary practices. Both entrepreneurs expressed their excitement and honor regarding their selection to meet Walmart executives directly.
This initiative is part of a nationwide effort by Walmart to connect small business owners with their sourcing team and to assist them in preparing for the annual Open Call event held in Bentonville. Previous events took place in other cities, including Kansas City, Baltimore, Austin, and Columbus, helping to foster new opportunities across the country.
Mark Espinoza, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Walmart, noted the retailer’s commitment to helping small businesses thrive, highlighting the significant contribution these businesses make to local economies. Jay Bailey, President and CEO of RICE, emphasized the importance of collaboration with Walmart, pointing out how it benefits local entrepreneurs and promotes innovation.
The applications for the annual Open Call event in Bentonville are open until July 25, 2025. This long-standing initiative, launched in 2014, aims to create pathways for U.S. entrepreneurs to secure national distribution and foster success within Walmart’s extensive supply chain.
Since its inception, the Open Call program has supported thousands of businesses, enabling them to become Walmart suppliers, which in turn bolstered local economies. In Georgia alone, Walmart partnered with over 1,200 suppliers last year, contributing more than $26 billion to the state’s economy and demonstrating a strong investment in local entrepreneurship.
RICE is dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta, providing resources that empower them to grow their businesses and succeed in competitive markets. The collaboration between RICE and Walmart illustrates a commitment to local business development and innovation in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Open Call initiative?
The Open Call initiative is a nationwide program by Walmart aimed at connecting small business owners with their sourcing team, providing them with the opportunity for national distribution.
2. How many businesses participated in the Atlanta Open Call event?
More than 30 small businesses participated in the Atlanta Open Call event.
3. Who are the entrepreneurs selected to pitch to Walmart?
Tiffany Krumins of Opu Probiotics and Sandy L. Poag of Unique Southern Foods were the selected entrepreneurs.
4. When does the application period for the annual Open Call event close?
The application period for the annual Open Call event closes on July 25, 2025.
5. How has Walmart supported small businesses in Georgia?
Walmart partnered with over 1,200 suppliers based in Georgia and spent more than $26 billion with them last year.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Selected Entrepreneurs | Tiffany Krumins (Opu Probiotics) and Sandy L. Poag (Unique Southern Foods) |
| Event Location | Walmart store in Marietta, GA |
| Date of Event | June 24, 2025 |
| Number of Participants | Over 30 small businesses |
| Application Deadline for Open Call | July 25, 2025 |
| Impact on Local Economy | $26 billion spent by Walmart with Georgia suppliers in the previous year |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Two Metro Atlanta Small Businesses Chosen to Pitch Products to Walmart
- OCG News: 30 Small Businesses Pitch Their Made-in-USA Products to Walmart at Atlanta Event
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Senoia Peachtree City Walmart Pulls Mural After Mix-Up
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Walmart
- Google Search: Walmart Open Call
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
