Portfolio Companies
The Pitch-Black Competition has become a stage for innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment, showcasing remarkable businesses and ventures led by talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Over the years, this competition has celebrated and supported a multitude of exceptional enterprises.
The Pitch-Black Competition has evolved into a beacon of creativity and inclusivity, fostering an ecosystem where innovative businesses thrive. From luxury candles to educational centers, culinary experiences to virtual travel, these finalists demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship to bring change, diversity, and innovation to our communities. Between 2021 and now, MAC has generously supported this remarkable journey, contributing $68,500.00 in prizes to further these inspiring ventures. As the competition continues, we eagerly anticipate the next wave of entrepreneurs who will shape our future.
Here is a look at the companies in which we have invested so far:
Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn – Dr. Orlanda Whitfield (Champion)
From sweet classics like caramel and kettle corn to bold innovations like spicy cheddar and cookies and cream, Still Poppin offers something for every palate. There are no shortcuts, no gimmicks—just real ingredients, real care, and real flavor. The result is a gourmet popcorn experience that’s memorable, fun, and full of heart. But the mission of Still Poppin extends far beyond the popcorn itself. As a business owner, Orlanda is also a mentor, speaker, and advocate for entrepreneurship—especially among women, BIPOC communities, and youth. She leads workshops, speaks at events, and supports aspiring entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into reality. Her story reminds others that following your passion can lead to powerful, purpose-driven work.
Still Poppin has become a beloved part of the local community, showing up at schools, events, fundraisers, and celebrations. Whether it’s elevating a special occasion or supporting a cause, Orlanda’s popcorn is about more than taste—it’s about connection. With every batch, she brings people together, adds joy to the day, and reminds us that even the simplest things—like popcorn—can make a big impact. Rooted in authenticity and driven by passion, Still Poppin is growing while staying true to its mission: to deliver joy, one bag at a time. Orlanda has built more than a business—she’s built a movement flavored with love, leadership, and legacy.
Still Poppin is more than a snack. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of believing in your dreams.
Sensiil Studios – Basi Affia (Runner Up)
As Iowa & Nebraska's first black comic book publisher, Sensiil Studios was founded Feb 1st 2022 to bring authentic representation to the science fiction and fantasy genres. In many stories the "diversity" seen is fictional races that dramatize stereotypes and represent minorities in a distasteful manner. When we do get actual black people in movies or stories, it's in slavery, segregation or prison. For too long has our trauma been monetized. Sensiil Studios is a space where Pan African people can see themselves in the future, and see that they have a future, by producing stories with black lead characters.
We fight today for a better tomorrow. We write to bring a better tomorrow to today.
Gimme The Scoop – Destiny Atkins & Shantell Girres (Third Place)
Gimme The Scoop is a family-owned Italian ice business based in Omaha, founded in 2022 by Destiny Atkins. What began as a dream rooted in creativity and love has grown into a bold, joyful brand known for its authentic, fruit-forward Italian ice and dairy-free soft serve. Destiny first shared her vision with her grandmother, who believed in her dream and helped her purchase her first Italian ice machine. After losing her grandmother in 2023, Destiny turned that loss into motivation—infusing the spirit of family, legacy, and resilience into every scoop. Gimme The Scoop offers 13 rotating flavors, all vegan-friendly and made without dairy, making them accessible and inclusive for everyone. The business operates both a mobile trailer for community events and a brick-and-mortar location inside Huskerland Popcorn in Omaha. At its core, Gimme The Scoop is about more than just dessert. It’s a family-run venture that celebrates creativity, connection, and the power of turning personal passion into lasting impact. Through every scoop served, the business shares a story of purpose, perseverance, and love.
Gamble Tech Firm – Tiffany Gamble (Fourth Place)
Gamble Tech Firm is a groundbreaking workforce development company dedicated to Black women in tech through her app called GambleHer. Through culturally relevant training, AI-powered mentorship, and global reach, the firm has empowered over 500 women to break into the tech industry. Tiffany is also the force behind Emerging Ladies Academy, mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Patron Senior Living LLC – Haji Salad (Fifth Place)
Founded in October 2024 by CEO Haji Salad, Patron Senior Living is a trusted in-home healthcare company based in Omaha, Nebraska. Our mission is to help seniors and individuals with care needs maintain independence while staying in the comfort of their homes and communities. We believe compassionate, personalized care empowers clients to live fulfilling lives while preserving their dignity and autonomy. At Patron Senior Living, we recognize that every person is unique. That’s why we create customized care plans that address the physical, emotional, and social well-being of each individual. Whether assisting aging adults, those recovering from illness, or individuals with disabilities, our goal is to ensure clients feel safe, supported, and connected. Our dedicated team of professional caregivers is at the heart of what we do. Carefully selected for their experience and compassion, they provide a wide range of in-home services—from help with hygiene, meal prep, and medication reminders to companionship, mobility support, and light housekeeping. Patron Senior Living was built on a vision of making home-based care more accessible, dignified, and centered on choice. We continue to grow with that vision, striving to make a lasting difference for our clients and their families.
Tippl LLC
Founded by Co-Founders Michael Friedman PhD and Mark Wong
Tippl cultivates a sense of belonging with their members, providing complimentary drinks at partnering venues. For their partner businesses, Tippl champions seamless integration with community-driven platforms, offering cost-effective marketing solutions.
Caring Expertise Homecare LLC
Co-founded by Shanae Nared, Breonna Kellogg, and Sheree Nelson
Caring Expertise Homecare provides exceptional non-medical home care services with a focus on compassion, expertise, and personalized attention. They are dedicated to enriching the lives of clients by offering reliable and supportive care tailored to their unique needs, fostering a comfortable and thriving home environment. They are a TBI Medicaid waiver-approvedits provider.
Chalice Health LLC
Founded by Eddy and Bimpe Airiohuodion
Chalice Health is a telehealth company based in Nebraska, offering online consultation services at no cost. They ensure optimized medication management, aiming to reduce costs for patients. Partnered with Nucara Pharmacy, a trusted name in pharmacy services for over 50 years, Chalice Health facilitates streamlined prescription delivery. Committed to accessibility and quality, they provide affordable healthcare solutions tailored to diverse communities, striving to enhance health outcomes through innovation and personalized care.
Love Yo Pup LLC
Founded by Nina Austin
Love Yo Pup is a pioneering brand in the pet treats industry, revolutionizing the market with its commitment to natural and organic ingredients sourced from local farmers, homesteaders, and growers. By prioritizing human-grade, environmentally sustainable ingredients, Love Yo Pup ensures that every treat is crafted with care, from farm to paw.
SunFlare Brands Company LLC
Founded by Rodney Bennett
SunFlare Brands Company makes handcrafted candles with a unique blend of passions; emphasizing quality, social impact, and community involvement, setting itself apart from typical candle companies and aiming to make a positive impact on the community through its products.
The Local Art Plug
Founded by Xavier Jackson, serves as a platform for local art lovers to connect with and support local artists.
Cherish Perkins, LLC
Founded by Cherish Perkins, offers distinctive clothing to make every customer feel fantastic in their attire.
Serenity Home Solutions, LLC
Founded by Vera Mahadi & Hakim Lado, seeks to provide affordable, therapeutic, and nurturing environments in residential and transitional homes, empowering individuals and families impacted by mental illness, behavioral issues, and substance use disorders.
Island Chill, LLC
Founded by Deshawn Hernandez, operates within the Business Services sector, focusing on Business Activities at Non-Commercial Sites.
GreenLexi
Founded by Artez and Dorinda Young, is an e-commerce website that helps consumers find the products and services they need.
Okra African Grill LLC
Founded by Nina Sodji, pays homage to African cultures and Togolese culinary influences, driven by Nina's heartfelt passion for cooking delicious food.
Ital Vital Living
Owned by Imani Murray, brings a drive-thru cold-pressed juices and smoothies brand to Omaha, Nebraska.
Topkifer, Inc.
A technology company founded by Robert Epai and friends, acts as an e-commerce platform connecting African sellers to buyers and providing shipping services.
Finally Voyage LLC
Founded by Fatou Jean-Luc, offers virtual travel tours worldwide through a mobile app, allowing users to explore their favorite destinations from the comfort of their homes by connecting with local hosts.
Meraki Montessori
Established by Ty and Radell Nared, is a Montessori-inspired toy company dedicated to creating sustainable, eco-friendly toys and decor for children.
House of Bah
Founded by Jamil Djibril-Bah-Traore, is an Omaha-based catering company with a unique twist. It promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the US hospitality marketplace, serving innovative fusion cuisine combining emergent African flavors with modern techniques.
Islasimone Candle LLC
Co-founded by Shereece DendySanders and Kalisha Reed, embodies the essence of self-respect and self-love. This black-owned, women-led business, based in Omaha, Nebraska, crafts luxury candles hand-poured with love and intention, bearing names thoughtfully chosen to reflect essential qualities.
Gifted Minds Learning Center
Initiated by Dr. Danita Webb and Mrs. Beverly Tate, is a haven for children. Their mission is to build a robust Cradle to Career Pathway within the community, offering quality care from birth to preschool and structured before-and-after-school programs.
English Language Network
Now the Heartland Integration Center (HIC), was born out of the realization that many immigrants and refugees struggled to fully integrate into their new communities. HIC champions an integrated diversity model, facilitating language acquisition, cultural understanding, and the breakdown of "US vs. Them" mentalities.
The One Security Solutions LLC
Founded by Tony Cannon Jr with the intention to provide trained uniformed security officers for clients’ everyday business needs. The company has a wide variety of specially trained staff officers from retired military personnel, correctional officers, armed security, professional bodyguard, and retired police officers. The One Security Solutions is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Thumbtack Network, and Bodyguard Nations.