7th Annual Conference
Pitch Black Conference
Where Bold Ideas Meet Capital
A Business Conference, Business Expo and Pitch Competition dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
THEME
Rooted in Purpose, Rising in Power.
Applications Open
September 1, 2026
Finale Countdown
Saturday, June 12, 2027
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.
7th
Annual conference, building on six years of momentum
$91K+
Awarded in cash & technical assistance in 2026 alone
30+
Businesses funded since the program began
5
Finalists selected to pitch live at the 2027 Finale
Higligthts from Past Conferences
How it Works
The Competition
Five carefully selected finalists present to a panel of industry experts and a live audience of 300+ people, competing for a grand prize package worth over $91,000 in cash and technical assistance.
01
Application Submissions
Prepare and submit your application and all relevant documents by November 2, 2026. Applications open September 1, 2026.
02
Community Judge Review
Contestants participate in three preliminary rounds. Local business leaders coach contestants and select top-ranked businesses each round.
03
Final 5 Selection
A panel of judges selects the 5 top-ranking participants after the third preliminary round, based on scoring guidelines.
04
Finalist Pitch Day
Finalists pitch live on June 12, 2027, in front of 300+ attendees. Winners receive cash prizes plus legal, accounting, and marketing support.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Requirements
1.
Businesses must be formed in Nebraska or Iowa. This competition is for emerging business owners with startups or new businesses.
2.
Individual entrants, or 51% of owners of corporate applicants, must be residents of Nebraska, Iowa or Missouri.
3.
Business must be a for-profit entity.
4.
Individual entrants or 51% of owners of corporate applicants must identify as BIPOC, immigrant, or refugee.
5.
Applications must be submitted by the deadline of November 2, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
6.
Applicant must be willing to participate in all scheduled coaching rounds and the June 12, 2027 finale event.
2027 Schedule
Competition Timeline
September 1, 2026
Applications Launch
The 2027 cycle officially opens.
November 2, 2026
Applications Close
Final day to submit.
December 18, 2026
Notification Date
Applicants hear back on next steps.
January 16, 2027
First Round Judging
Community judges coach & score the field.
January 30, 2027
Second Round Judging
The pool narrows further.
February 13, 2027
Third Round Judging
The five finalists are set.
February 27, 2027
Finalists' Expectations & Agreements
Finalists meet the MAC team to align on the road ahead.
March 13, 2027
All-Hands Prep 1
Pitch coaching begins in earnest.
May 10, 2027
All-Hands Prep 2
Final polish before finale week.
June 4 or June 11, 2027
Ubuntu Mixer
The community kickoff before finale weekend.
June 11, 2027
Rehearsal Day
Finalists run the room one last time.
June 12, 2027
Pitch Black Finale
Live pitch competition, conference & awards ceremony
All dates and times listed are tentative. The MAC Foundation reserves the right to modify them as event dates approach. Please check back regularly for the most current updates.
What's at Stake
Prize Amounts
Total cash and in-kind support awarded across the 2026 competition — $24,500 in cash, $66,616 in technical assistance. 2027's package is in development and will be announced as applications open.
$10,000
2nd Place
$5,.000
3rd Place
$2,500
4th Place
$1,000
$1,000
Investors' Pick
$5,000
Why Sponsor
Community Impact
Sponsoring Pitch Black and the MAC Xcelerator directly uplifts underserved businesses and communities. Since 2021, these programs have empowered local entrepreneurs to turn ideas into thriving enterprises.
Ital Vital Living
A mother-daughter juice shop expanded from 200 to 1,000 weekly units, secured funding, and opened a second location.
Local Art Plug
2023 Champion created opportunities for young artists, won multiple grants, and built lasting community partnerships.
Caring Expertise Homecare
A Black woman-owned healthcare agency scaled operations to generate over $1M in revenue in 2024.
CoreScience BioDiagnostics
2026 Grand Champion — bringing blood and urine testing to underserved North Omaha residents with $52,000 in prize support.
Get In Touch
Contact Us
For sponsorship, partnership, volunteer opportunities, and other inquiries, please use the contact form.
(402) 881-0343
www.wepitchblack.com
The MAC Foundation
Send a Message