What's Pitch Black?
Pitch Black is a business competition designed to promote entrepreneurship in diverse communities in the Midwest. The competition features local business owners and start-ups who are competing for a chance to win $10,000. Local and national speakers will share their entrepreneurial journeys at the event.
Join the MAC and Pitch Black in promoting entrepreneurship in the black and minority communities in Nebraska, and the Midwest. We need businesses and community partners like you, in order to make this happen.
Eligibility
The competition is open to for profit businesses, in any industry that meets the following criteria. Registrations open October 1, 2021 and close April 1, 2022.
1.
This competition is for emerging business owners with startups or new businesses. Business must be formed or will be formed in the state of Nebraska.
2.
Individual entrants or 51% of owners of corporate applicants, must be residents of the state of Nebraska. Business must be a for-profit entity.
3.
Individual entrants or 51% of owners of corporate applicants, must be members of an ethnic minority group.
4.
Business must submit their application before April 1, 2022.
Pitch Process - 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 April 1, 2022.
Community Judge Review
Contestants will participate in 3 preliminary rounds in May, June and July. A different panel of four judges (local business leaders) will coach the contestants and select the top-ranked contestants in each round.
Final 5 selection
Panel of four 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 during the main event on August 6, 2022.
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, accountin, and marketing service.
2022 Timeline
October 1st
Applications are open
April 1st
Applications are closed
May 6th
First round juding
June 9th
Second round judging
July 7th
Third round judging - 5 finalists will be picked to present at live event
August 6th
Finalists will present and three will be selected as winners
Prize Amounts
1st Place - $10,000
2nd Place - $5,000
3rd Place - $2,500
Sponsorship
Join us and sponsor our business pitch competition. We will be awarding three
finalists, funds to start, or grow their existing business. Our event will feature
innovative speakers and hundreds of attendees.
Presenting Catalyst Sponsor
$25,000
- Recognition as the Official Presenting Sponsor of the Event
- Premium seating and registration for 20 attendees
- Two years of Chamber membership
- Ubuntu Mixer invitation-only event
- Promotion at the pre-event Ubuntu Mixer
- Six months sponsorship of the monthly Power Hour events
- Three months sponsorship of Roll Call Networking events
- Exclusive Awards Sponsor: Name on Pitch Black Awards
- Promotion on all Chamber Social media platforms
- Company logo on Pitch Black event page with reference link
- Company logo included in promotional videos
- Full-page ad in the event program
- Company logo on the event backdrop
- Item(s) from company included in the attendees’ bag
- Company executive/representative(s) to be one of the finale judges
Platinum Sponsor Level - Innovator
$15,000
- Premium seating and registration for 10 attendees
- 1 year of Chamber membership
- Ubuntu Mixer invitation-only event
- Three months sponsorship of Roll Call Networking events
- Promotion on all Chamber Social media platforms
- Company logo on Pitch Black event page
- Company logo included in promotional videos
- Company logo on the event backdrop
- Official Luncheon Sponsor
- Item(s) from company included in the attendees’ bag
- Company executive/representative(s) to be one of the finale judges
- Full-page ad in the event program
Gold Sponsor Level - Accelerator
$10,000
- Registration for 10 attendees
- 1 year of Chamber membership
- Promotion on all Chamber Social media platforms
- Company logo on Pitch Black event page
- Company logo on the event backdrop
- Item(s) from company included in the attendees’ bag
- Company representative to be one of the judges
- 1/2 page ad in the event program
Silver Sponsor Level – Partner
$5,000
- Registration for 8 attendees
- 1 year of Chamber membership
- Promotion on all Chamber Social media platforms
- Company logo on Pitch Black event page
- Company logo on the event backdrop
- Item(s) from company included in the attendees’ bag
- 1/4 page ad in the event program
Bronze Sponsor Level - Supporter
$2,500
- Registration for 6 attendees
- 1 year of Chamber membership
- Promotion on all Chamber Social media platforms
- Company logo on Pitch Black event page
- Item(s) from company included in the attendees’ bag
Copper Sponsor Level - Fan
$1,000
- Registration for 4 attendees
- 1 year of Chamber membership
- Company logo on Pitch Black event page
Presenting Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Copper Sponsors
Partners
Media Partners
Fiscal Partners
Community Partners
Tickets
Individual Ticket – Members
$50
Individual Ticket – Non Members
$60
Contact us
For sponsorship, partnership, volunteer opportunities, and other inquiries, please use the contact form below.