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.
2025 Theme:
Empowering Visions. Fueling Success.
Pitch Black Conference starts in
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
Agenda
Prize Amounts
1st Place - $10,000
2nd Place - $5,000
3rd Place - $2,500
4th Place - $1,000
5th Place - $1,000
Investors' Pick - $5,000


2025 Pitch Black Finalists

Destiny Atkins
Gimme the Scoop

Shantell Girres
Gimme the Scoop

Basi Affia
Sensiil Studios

Tiffany Gamble
Gamble Tech Firm

Haji Salad
Patron Senior living, LLC

Orlanda Whitfield
Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn
EMCEE

Serese Cole
First News at 6
Keynote Speakers

Allegra Stennett
New Majority Capital

Jordan Bentley
Hypland
Speakers and Panelists

Jim Reiff
Nebraska Enterprise Fund

Mallory Cranwell
ONEBiz

April Hibbler
Urban League of Nebraska

Jason Johnson
FiberFirst

Leanne Prewitt
CEO, Ervin & Smith

Sandy Spady
CEO, Power Up Leadership Coaching & Consulting

Luper Akough
Sommelier Insurance

Adam Feeney
Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP

Meredith Bond
U.S. Department of Commerce

Cindy Allen
NE Deputy Secretary of State

Ishmael Samuel
Paragon

Sarah Iverson
Curious Sunshine & AfroPlay Collective Founding Member

Patique Collins
Patique’s Physique

Karine Sokpoh
Midlands African Chamber

Fidele Mienso
Midlands African Chamber
Sponsors and Partners
Catalyst Sponsors
Accelerator Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Copper Sponsors
Donors
Foundations
Pitch Black could not be possible without the support of the following funders: Weitz family Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, Lozier Foundation, and United Way of the Midlands
Community Partners
Media Partners
Tickets
Individual Ticket – Members
Individual Ticket – Non Members
Contact us
For sponsorship, partnership, volunteer opportunities, and other inquiries, please use the contact form below.