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

2024 Theme:

Digital Disruption: Unleashing Opportunities for BIPOC Entrepreneurs.

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.

Pitch Competition Eligibility

The conference is open to for-profit businesses in any industry that meets the following criteria:

1.
This competition is for emerging business owners with startups or new businesses. Businesses must be formed or will be formed in the states of Nebraska or Iowa.
2.
Individual entrants, or 51% of owners of corporate applicants, must be residents of Nebraska or Iowa.
3.
Businesses must be a for-profit entity.
4.
Individual entrants or 51% of owners of corporate applicants, must identify as BIPOC or immigrant or refugee.
5.
Business must submit their applications by February 3, 2024

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 (TBA).

Community Judge Review

Contestants will participate in preliminary rounds. A different panel of judges (local business leaders) will coach the contestants and select the top-ranked contestants in each round.

Final 5 selection

Panel of 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 at the Pitch Black Finale on Jun 29, 2024.

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, accounting, and marketing service.

Prize Amounts

Sponsorship

Pitch Black, a premier conference and Pitch Competition, empowers BIPOC and immigrant/refugee entrepreneurs by showcasing innovative ideas. Since 2021, MAC has served 84 microbusinesses. Pitch Black identifies BIPOC business leaders with impact-oriented solutions that addressing community needs and spur sustainable growth. On June 29, 2024 The event will be hosted at Creighton University Harper Center and feature national and local speakers, a tech showcase, live pitches judged by business leaders, a business expo, and over 300 attendees.

Your support is vital for making the MAC Xcelerator program happen. It's a nine-week program helping minority entrepreneurs with business training and mentorship. Participants can earn cash rewards and a chance to compete in the Pitch Black competition finale on June 29, 2024. When you support Pitch Black, your organization gains visibility and contributes to success, empowerment, and cultural awareness in the Midwest community.

Tickets

Individual Ticket – Members

$70

Individual Ticket – Non Members

$80

Table of 10 – Members

$700

Table of 10 – Non Members

$800

Contact us

For sponsorship, partnership, volunteer opportunities, and other inquiries, please use the contact form below.


(402) 881-0343 [email protected]
Contact