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.

Friday, June 27th, 2025
8 AM - 5 PM

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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

08:00 AM: Registration, Headshots, Breakfast, Business Expo Showcase, Consulting Corner

09:00 AM: Welcome Remarks by EMCEE Serese Cole, Anchor, First News at 6

09:05 AM: Opening Remarks by Karine Sokpoh , CEO, MAC

09:10 AM:Morning Keynote Speaker
Allegra Stennett - Managing Partner, New Majority Capital


9:30 AM: Panel 1:  From Vision to Reality: Transforming Ideas into Businesses Using Local Resources

10:00 AM: Energize and Elevate Wellness by Patique Collins - Patique’s Physique

10:15 AM: Panel 2: Leading with Purpose: Aligning Business Strategy with Core Values - B Corporations


10:45 AM: Panel 3: Creative Capital: Building Distinctive Global Brands in Competitive Markets

11:10 AM: Playful Scavenger Hunt led by Sarah Iverson – CEO, Curious Sunshine & AfroPlay Collective Founding Member

12:00 PM: Lunch Keynote Speaker
Jordan Bentley – CEO, Hypland


1:30 – 4:00 PM Pitch Black Competition

4:20 PM: Closing remarks by Latricia Harris, Hayes and Associates, Board Chair, MAC

5:00 PM: Awards & Prize Ceremony

Prize Amounts

2025 Pitch Black Finalists

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

$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 info@wepitchblack.com
Contact