Ace Hardware Corp. is inviting entrepreneurs to show off their best product innovations at its first Maker to Market event.
Formerly known as Open Buying Day, Ace’s new Maker to Market event will offer attendees opportunities to pitch their products to a panel of Ace experts who make purchasing decisions for more than 5,000 Ace Hardware stores around the world.
Each meeting will consist of a 15-minute product pitch and 5 minutes for Ace Hardware decision-makers to ask questions. The fee for participation is $300 per meeting, with half of all proceeds benefitting the Ace Hardware Foundation in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Products that pique the interest of the Ace Hardware buying team could potentially end up on the shelves of thousands of Ace Hardware stores throughout the country, according to the co-op. In addition, two attendees will win a free booth at an upcoming Ace Hardware buying show.
The Ace Hardware Maker’s Day event provides independent product innovators with a chance to showcase their new products.
New businesses with prototype products are also invited to participate. These new businesses could potentially receive manufacturing, packaging and operational assistance from Ace to help them bring their products to market.
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