Pitch Black Conference

A business Conference, Business Expo and Pitch Competition dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the Midwest

Presented by the Midlands African Chamber, Inc.

2026 Theme:

Empowering Visions. Fueling Success.

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Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
8 AM - 5 PM

APPLICATIONS OPEN - January 2nd, 2026

What is Pitch Black?

Pitch Black is a dynamic conference strategically crafted to fuel entrepreneurship across diverse communities in the Midwest. Our event showcases prominent speakers, a business exposition, and an exciting business pitch competition. The competition is specifically tailored to offer a platform for emerging BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) as well as immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas. Participants have the opportunity to compete for a grand prize of up to $15,000, complemented by invaluable in-kind support surpassing $40,000. This support extends to essential services such as marketing, legal, and accounting, providing crucial assistance for their ventures.

A groundbreaking initiative, Pitch Black, is committed to nurturing entrepreneurship and fortifying businesses. By facilitating connections between emerging entrepreneurs and potential investors, mentors, and essential resources, our conference strives to invigorate economic growth and champion diversity in the local economy.

We invite you to partner with the MAC and Pitch Black in championing entrepreneurship within black and minority communities in Nebraska and the broader Midwest. Your involvement as a business or community partner is crucial to realizing the success of this endeavor. Let's collaborate to make a lasting impact together.

04

Events since 2020

1200+

Attendees

20

Business Funded

$61.5k

In-kind prizes

$88.2k

Equity free Funding

Pitch Competition Eligibility

The conference is open to for-profit businesses in any industry that meets the following criteria:

1.
This competition is for emerging business owners with startups or new businesses. Businesses must be formed or will be formed in the states of Nebraska or Iowa.
2.
Individual entrants, or 51% of owners of corporate applicants, must be residents of Nebraska, Iowa or Missouri.
3.
Businesses must be a for-profit entity.
4.
Individual entrants or 51% of owners of corporate applicants, must identify as BIPOC or immigrant or refugee.
5.
Business must submit their applications by February 21, 2025

How it works

Application Submissions

Participants prepare and submit their applications and all relevant documents based on Pitch Black competition guidelines and terms and conditions before the deadline of February 21, 2025.

Community Judge Review

Contestants will participate in preliminary rounds. A different panel of judges (local business leaders) will coach the contestants and select the top-ranked contestants in each round.

Final 5 selection

Panel of judges makes their selection of the 5 top-ranking participants based on the scoring guidelines after the third and final preliminary judging round. Then the 5 finalists make their live pitch at the Pitch Black Finale on June 27th, 2025.

Finalist Pitch Day and Award

Contestants make their pitch live in front of an audience of over 300 people. Successful and established business owners will judge the finale. The winners of the competition will receive cash prizes along with legal, accounting, and marketing service.

Pitch Black 2026 Timeline

Events Dates
Launch October 1st, 2025
Application Close December 5th, 2025
Notification Date January 9th, 2026
First Round January 16th, 2026
Second Round January 30th, 2026
Third Round February 13th, 2026
Meeting: Finalists’ Expectations & Agreements February 27th, 2026
All Hands-on Prep 1 March 13th, 2026
All Hands-on Prep 2 April 10th, 2026
Ubuntu Mixer Date May 1st, 2026
Pitch Black Finale May 2nd, 2026

Prize Amounts

Sponsors and Partners

Tickets

Individual Ticket – Members

$130

Individual Ticket – Non Members

$140

Contact us

For sponsorship, partnership, volunteer opportunities, and other inquiries, please use the contact form below.


(402) 881-0343 [email protected]
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