Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that it is hosting a unique opportunity to advance local minority- and women-owned companies through a networking and showcase opportunity in Omaha in January. The Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit will be held Wednesday, January 31, at the Scott Conference Center, located on the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Scott Campus in Omaha, and is open to the business community.
The summit will feature an expo offering resources for small businesses, learning opportunities through presentations and panel discussions, the chance to be inspired by other brands and more. Hy-Vee is also offering one-on-one mentoring sessions with local store directors. Local community groups and organizations, area businesses and other professionals interested in supporting or networking with small-business owners are also invited to attend at no cost.
In addition, local minority-and women-owned businesses are invited to apply for the chance to showcase their products or services during a pitch competition at the Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit. Selected applicants will present to a panel of judges for the chance to win up to $30,000 as an investment for future endeavors.
Hy-Vee is currently accepting submissions for local products or services for the pitch competition at www.hy-veeopportunitysummit.com in the following categories of economically viable and/or previously tested products or services: food and beverage; product innovation and technology; and health, wellness and beauty. There is no cost to apply. The deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m. (CDT) on Dec. 31, 2023.
A panel of judges will select one grand-prize winner to earn $30,000. Plus, one first-place winner will be selected from each pitch category (three total) to win $5,000 each. Additional cash investments may be awarded and select finalists may be invited to participate in further discussions regarding their product or service following the summit.
WHAT: Hy-Vee’s OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 31
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Scott Conference Center
University of Nebraska Omaha
6450 Pine Street
Omaha, NE 68106
Hy-Vee remains committed to inclusivity by expanding and enhancing product and service offerings that support various needs, lifestyles and backgrounds. The summit gives local minority- and women-owned businesses the opportunity to grow and prosper, while providing Hy-Vee customers with meaningful solutions to make their lives easier, healthier and happier.
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Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 550 business units across eight Midwestern states with sales of more than $13 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 5 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 3 favorite grocery stores. The company’s more than 75,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.
