Whole Foods Looking to 'Buy Local'

the supermarket for high-quality natural and organic foods, invites aspiring local vendors to be their “Next Entrepreneur” and is accepting applications now to attend an educational session that will help vendors learn how to grow their business and possibly get on the popular food chain’s shelves.

Applications for the Next Entrepreneur are due by Jan. 14 to participate in the Feb. 6 event during which local vendors will showcase their goods.

Whole Foods is known for its grocery selection, from unprocessed grains and cereals to meat and poultry free of antibiotics and growth hormones. Looking for raw foods or the new craze on chia seeds? You can most likely find them at this supermarket.

The supermarket purchases products from local, regional and international wholesale suppliers and vendors, so “Next Entrepreneur” provides a rare opportunity for emerging organic food vendors to showcase their products to store representatives and the market's purchasing team.

“As Whole Foods continues to open new stores in Northern California, we are also foraging for new local food entrepreneurs,” said Whole Foods Market's Local Forager Harvindar Singh in a statement. “We're looking for unique local products and entrepreneurs that want to grow with us.”

The event is Feb. 6 at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will include educational sessions for vendors needing assistance with business growth, and success stories from several vendors who have benefitted from the Whole Foods Market Local Loan Program.