Sponsoring Pitch Black and the MAC Xcelerator (MAC X) means directly contributing to the success of minority-owned businesses and uplifting underserved communities. Since 2021, MAC has supported BIPOC businesses, with a proven record of transforming ideas into thriving enterprises.
small businesses participated in our signature entrepreneurship programs
businesses launched through mentoring, financial coaching, and pitch training
in funding and technical assistance awarded to Pitch Black finalists
Examples of Impact
Broader Impact
In 2024 alone, 79 small businesses participated in our signature entrepreneurship programs, with 98% being BIPOC-owned. Through mentoring, financial coaching, and pitch training, over 30 businesses were launched. Pitch Black finalists received $87,000 in funding and technical assistance to help scale their businesses. The MAC Xcelerator program served 29 businesses, awarded $20,000 in seed funding, and provided 641 hours of technical assistance.
With 82% of participants completing their business plans, pitch decks, and mentorship engagements, the program’s effectiveness is clear. 81.8% of participants rated it as “Very good” or “Good,” and 100% recommended it.
Pitch Black and MAC X also engage the community. In 2024, over 600 people attended ten in-person events, including Pitch Black and the Ubuntu Mixer, raising visibility for minority entrepreneurs.
By sponsoring Pitch Black and MAC X, your organization gains unparalleled visibility while fostering success, empowerment, and cultural awareness in the Midwest. This is your chance to support local entrepreneurs and make a lasting impact on communities in need.
Sponsorship Packages
Catalyst - Presenting
Exclusive, 1 available
- Top billing on all marketing materials for both events
- Exclusive networking with key stakeholders at MAC events year-round
- Pitch Black Awards presenter
- Employee engagement opportunities (judging, panels, award presentations)
- Umoja Forum Series Presenter for 2 events
- Power Hour Presenter for 6 events
- Premium branding on event materials, social media, and press releases
- Media exposure through local press coverage (if any)
- Year-round recognition on all MAC events and materials
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- VIP table for 10 at both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala.
Innovator - Diamond
- Name on Gratitude Gala Awards
- Employee engagement opportunities (judging, panels, award presentations)
- Roll Call Presenter for 2 months
- Official Pitch Black Luncheon Sponsor
- Premium branding on event materials, social media, and press releases
- Media mentions in local press coverage (if any)
- Year-round recognition on all MAC events and materials
- Exclusive networking with key stakeholders and decision-makers
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- VIP table for 10 at both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala.
Accelerator - Platinum
- Premium branding on event materials
- Employee engagement opportunities (judging, panels, volunteering, etc.)
- Media mentions in press releases and social media
- Name on MAC Foundation Scholarship Awards
- Speaking role: Opportunity to present an award or participate in panel discussions
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- VIP table for 10 at both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala.
Gold Sponsor
- Gold Sponsor for both events
- Employee engagement opportunities (judging, panels, fireside chats, volunteers)
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Media mentions in press releases and social media
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- Table for 10 at Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala
Silver Sponsor
- Silver Sponsor for both events
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Employee engagement opportunities ( panels, fireside chats, volunteers)
- Consulting corner and vendor opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- Table for 10 at Pitch Black Conference and 6 registrations for the Gratitude Gala
Bronze Sponsor
- Bronze Sponsor for both events
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Vendor engagement opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- Employee engagement opportunities (volunteers)
- 6 registrations for both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala
Copper Sponsor
- Copper Sponsor for both events
- Logo placement on event materials and digital marketing
- Employee engagement opportunities (volunteers)
- Vendor engagement opportunities at Pitch Black Conference
- Invitation to Ubuntu Mixer
- 4 registrations for both Pitch Black Conference and Gratitude Gala