6th Annual Conference
Pitch Black Conference
A Business Conference, Business Expo and Pitch Competition dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
2026 Theme:
Culture. Capital. Change.
What is Pitch Black?
Fueling Entrepreneurship in the Midwest
Pitch Black is a dynamic, one-day conference strategically crafted to fuel entrepreneurship across diverse communities in the Midwest. We create pathways between emerging entrepreneurs and the investors, mentors, and resources they need to scale.
The competition is specifically tailored to offer a platform for underserved entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and compete for life-changing resources.
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.
The Competition
Five carefully selected finalists present to a panel of industry experts and a live audience, competing for a grand prize package worth over $85,000 in cash and technical assistance.
$24.5K
Cash Prizes
Cash prizes for the competing businesses
$66.6K
Techinical Assistance
Marketing, legal, accounting & more
5
Finalists
Carefully selected underserved entrepreneurs
6
Years of Impact
30 businesses have received funding so far
Higligthts from Past Conferences
Conference Theme
CULTURE. CAPITAL. CHANGE.
Culture: Our stories shape our brands
Capital: Financial and social resources fuel growth
Change: Economic empowerment transforms communities
Conference Features
Full-day access to everything
Keynotes & Panels
Hear from prominent business leaders, investors, and innovators who've built from the ground up. Real stories, real strategies, no fluff.
Business Exposition
A curated marketplace of businesses and service providers. Shop, connect, and expand your network in one vibrant, energized space.
Pitch Competition
Five carefully selected finalists present live to a panel of industry experts and a captivated audience, competing for the grand prize package.
Business Networking
Structured and organic opportunities to connect with investors, mentors, and potential partners — the relationships that matter most for growth.
Workshops & Education
Hands-on sessions covering business strategy, fundraising, marketing, and operations. Leave with tools you can implement the next day.
Awards Ceremony
Celebrate the finalists and crown the 2026 Pitch Black winner at a live awards ceremony — an electrifying close to an unforgettable day.
2026 Pitch Black Finalists
Shinnice Preston
Zuri and Me
Shatice Jones
Nava Living Co
Sharnelle Shelton
CoreScience Biodiagnostics
Rachel Gai
Upstitch Studio LLC
Regina Tate
ART of Homecare Training Center
Destiny Williams
Upstitch Studio LLC
Emcee & Keynote Speakers
Keele Taylor
CEO, Chief Human Resources Officer of HRMinded Consulting Services
Emcee
Randy J. Goodwin
Actor, Director and CEO of Fallen Giants Films
Keynote Speaker
Speakers and Panelists
Mogien Boyd
Executive Director of Nebraska Commission on African American Affairs
Arshad Rana
President and Owner of NP Marts Group
April Hibbler
Executive Program Lead for the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (NOE)
Deon Barnes
Co-founder and CEO of Stable Gray
Emily Brewer
Community Development Manager at Millwork Commons
Fidele Mienso
COO, Midlands African Chamber
Folly Teko
Co-founder of Afromaha
Folly Gnininvi
Technical Operations Engineer at Cox
Jared Hall
CEO of 3AM Luxury
Karine Sokpoh
Founder and CEO of the Midlands African Chamber, and 402Legal
Quincy Christian
Operations leader, Cox Communications
Scott Henderson
Managing Principal of NMotion
Terri D Sanders
CEO of the Omaha Star
Terence Ross
Business Relationship Manager at Chase Bank
Tiffany Gamble
Founder and CEO of Gamble Tech Firm and Emerging Ladies Academy
Tumi Oluyole
Entrepreneur, Recording Artist, Filmmaker, Certified Public Accountant, and Business Leader
Xavier Jackson
CEO-Founder of The Local Art Plug
Paul West
CFP®, CAP®, CExP at Carson Wealth
MajieAhna Winfrey
Co-Founder of LIIT LADIES IN IT PATHWAYS
Am’Agyn Spencer
CEO of Neighborhood Nannies
Judges
Veta jeffery
President, Jeffery Consultants
Rob Trebilcock
Sr. Manager, Public Affairs at Cox Communications
Tony Aguillera
Community Outreach Specialist, JE Dunn Construction
Dr. Emmah Muema
Program Manager for 1 Million Cups (1MC)
Seni Kafui D'Almeida
Founder of CASHINGCARSATLANTA.
Our Sponsors
2026 Catalyst - Presenting Sponsors
The Presenting Sponsor is the premier partner of the event, receiving top visibility across all platforms, including branding, marketing, and event recognition, while demonstrating leadership and commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.
Accelerator – Platinum Sponsor
The Accelerator – Platinum Sponsor is a high-level partner with strong visibility, engagement opportunities, and recognition across MAC Chamber, Inc. (MAC) events and platforms, demonstrating support for business growth and community impact.
Gold Sponsors
The Gold Sponsor provides elevated visibility and engagement across MAC Chamber, Inc. (MAC) events, including logo placement, media mentions, employee engagement, vendor access, an invitation to the Ubuntu Mixer, and a table for ten at both events.
Silver Sponsors
This level includes logo placement, employee engagement opportunities, vendor access at the Pitch Black Conference, an invitation to the Ubuntu Mixer, a table for ten at Pitch Black, and six registrations for the Gratitude Gala.
Bronze Sponsors
The Bronze Sponsor offers brand visibility and engagement across MAC Chamber, Inc. (MAC) events. This includes logo placement, vendor access at the Pitch Black Conference, volunteer opportunities, an invitation to the Ubuntu Mixer, and six registrations.
Copper Sponsors
The Copper Sponsor provides visibility and engagement across MAC Chamber, Inc. (MAC) events, including logo placement, volunteer engagement, vendor access at the Pitch Black Conference, an invitation to the Ubuntu Mixer, and four registrations.
Table Sponsors
The Table Sponsor advances the mission of MAC Chamber by bringing their network and leadership into the room. Their support expands access to opportunities, resources, and programs for entrepreneurs across the region, while recognized for their impact.
Media Partners
Funders
Donors
Community Partners
Tickets
Register before April 10, 2026
Individual Ticket – Members
Individual Ticket – Non Members
Exhibitor Booth (Brand Activation)
Pitch Black 2026 Timeline
| Ubuntu Mixer Date | May 1st, 2026 |
| Pitch Black Finale | May 2nd, 2026 |
Prize Amounts
Total Cash: $24,500.00
Total In-kind: $66,616
Grand Total: $91,116
