Empowering Small Businesses, Together

Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, the Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit Series connects innovative small businesses with Hy-Vee category managers, merchants, and leaders through two complementary experiences each year:

• A two-day virtual summit in March
• A flagship, in-person summit at Hy-Vee Headquarters in September

Our goal is simple: provide real tools, real access, and real opportunities to help small businesses grow responsibly, sustainably, and with long-term support.

About the Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit Series

The Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit Series is designed to meet suppliers where they are — offering multiple entry points to connect with Hy-Vee, receive feedback, and explore potential next steps.

Across both experiences, selected suppliers may participate in:

• One-on-one meetings with Hy-Vee category managers
• Educational sessions led by Hy-Vee experts
• Live or virtual product showcases
• Optional pitch competition opportunities (in-person event)
• Potential on-the-spot item approval and next-step discussions

Who Should Apply

The Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit Series is open to U.S.-based small businesses with products manufactured domestically.

We are actively seeking suppliers in the following categories:

• Grocery
• Produce
• Deli
• Frozen
• Dairy
• Health & Beauty Care
• Household Essentials
• Seasonal & Entertaining
• Baby
• Toys
• Pets

Selected suppliers must meet basic requirements, including U.S. warehousing and the ability to support retail distribution.

Why You Should Attend

This Summit Series is more than just another supplier conference — it's a launchpad for standout small businesses.

Across both experiences, suppliers gain access to valuable connections, exposure, and resources. Select participants may also be considered for:

• Cash awards through the Supplier Pitch Competition (in-person event)
• On-the-spot item approval with Hy-Vee category managers
• Guaranteed shelf space in select Hy-Vee stores for top-performing suppliers
• E-commerce feature placements for scalable and innovative products
• Meet-and-greet access to Hy-Vee executives and experts
• Spots in Hy-Vee's Go Big Show, Hy-Vee's premier internal procurement expo

Hy-Vee Supplier Impact Virtual Summit

The Hy-Vee Supplier Impact Virtual Summit is a two-day virtual experience connecting innovative suppliers with Hy-Vee category managers through focused one-on-one meetings.

Designed for suppliers at all stages, this virtual summit provides an accessible way to introduce your brand to Hy-Vee, discuss category fit, receive direct feedback, and explore potential next steps.

Selected suppliers may have the opportunity to:

• Participate in one-on-one virtual meetings with Hy-Vee category managers
• Receive feedback on product, positioning, and readiness
• Learn about Hy-Vee's categories, expectations, and path the shelf
• Build early relationships with the Hy-Vee team

Virtual Summit – Key Dates

• Event Dates: March 23–24, 2026
• Application Opens: January 15, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 10, 2026
• Participants Selected: By February 23, 2026

Virtual Summit

We partner with platforms like RangeMe and ECRM to help small businesses prepare for success. From application to shelf, our goal is to give suppliers the tools, exposure, and connections they need to grow their business.

Ready to take the next step? Submit your application by this year's deadline to be considered for this year's summit.

Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit (In-Person)

The flagship Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit is a two-day, in-person experience hosted at Hy-Vee Headquarters, bringing selected small businesses together with Hy-Vee category managers, merchants, and leaders.

This immersive event combines education, connection, and hands-on engagement to help suppliers deepen relationships with Hy-Vee and accelerate their path to market.

Selected suppliers may have the opportunity to:

• Meet one-on-one with Hy-Vee category managers
• Participate in educational sessions led by Hy-Vee experts
• Showcase products through a live supplier expo or product demos
• Compete in an optional supplier pitch competition
• Receive real-time feedback and potential next-step discussions

In-Person Summit – Key Dates

• Event Dates: September 9–10, 2026
• Location: Ron Pearson Center, Hy-Vee Headquarters – West Des Moines, Iowa
• Cost to Attend: Free
• Application Opens: June 22, 2026
• Application Deadline: July 13, 2026
• Participants Selected: By July 29, 2026

What to Expect

• Day 1 - Education, Insight & Pitch Competition

Get inspired, informed, and ready to go

• Executive welcome and summit kickoff
• Educational sessions with Hy-Vee leaders & experts
• Live Pitch Competition - featuring $30,000 prize pool for selected applicants

• Day 2 - Buyer Meetings & Expo

Turn conversations into sales

• One-on-one meetings with Hy-Vee category managers
• On-the-spot feedback, mentorship, and potential procurement decisions
• Resource Roundtable with networking and expert support
• Live Supplier Expo - select vendors will demo their products for Hy-Vee leaders and decision-makers

In-Person Summit – Apply

We partner with platforms like RangeMe and ECRM to help small businesses prepare for success. From application to shelf, our goal is to give suppliers the tools, exposure, and connections they need to grow their business.

Ready to take the next step? Applications for the in-person Opportunity Summit open annually on the date listed above. Submit your application by this year’s deadline to be considered for the upcoming summit. Once applications open, a link will be provided below.

Hy-Vee’s Commitment

This Summit Series builds on Hy-Vee's longstanding commitment to supporting small businesses, economic inclusion, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We're not just looking for vendors — we're building long-term partnerships.

Learn more about how Hy-Vee supports small businesses every day: Support Small Business at Hy-Vee