Sponsoring Pitch Black is a powerful way to strengthen the business landscape and support the next generation of growing companies. Your investment gives emerging founders access to essential resources including strategic coaching, practical business training, financial guidance, and the support needed to compete and thrive. It also fuels the MAC Xcelerator, a respected 12 week program that prepares entrepreneurs to scale with confidence.

Partnering with Pitch Black elevates your brand within a community of forward thinking leaders and influencers. Sponsors gain strong visibility, priority access to innovative companies, and meaningful engagement with decision makers who are shaping the economic future of our region. This is an opportunity to position your organization at the forefront of innovation, growth, and regional competitiveness.

The results speak for themselves. In 2025, Orlanda Whitfield, founder of Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn, earned the top prize of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) after standing out among thirty six (36) applicants. Her story reflects the impact of Pitch Black in helping founders strengthen their business models, gain exposure, and unlock new opportunities. When you sponsor Pitch Black, you are investing in real success stories and driving measurable progress for our local economy.

Five Years of Impact

454

BUSINESSES SUPPORTED

$1.14M

INVESTED IN COMMUNITY

50

BUSINESSES FUNDED

130

JOBS CREATED

Examples of Impact

Ital Vital Living, a juice shop in North Omaha owned by a mother-daughter duo with Jamaican heritage, is a standout success. After completing Pitch Black, they improved their business strategies and pitch skills, earning third place in the 2022 Pitch Black competition and winning the investor’s pick prize. Their weekly production increased from 200 to 1,000 units after acquiring a large-scale juice production machine, demonstrating their growth.They are now opening a second Omaha location and have received NE DED funding.
Xavier Jackson, founder of Local Art Plug and the 2023 Pitch Black winner, leveraged the program’s support to provide much-needed opportunities for young artists in Omaha, highlighting the role of MAC-X in filling gaps in the local business ecosystem. He went on to receive several other grants and forged partnerships through networking with chamber members. They have received NE DED funding using the business plan built through our programs.
exemplifies the impact of Pitch Black in scaling businesses. As the only Black women-owned TBI licensed healthcare agency in Nebraska specializing in care for traumatic brain injury patients, the company grew its network, refined its business plan, and generated one million dollars in revenue in 2024.

Broader Impact

In 2024 alone, 79 small businesses participated in our signature entrepreneurship programs. 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.

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Sponsorship Packages

Catalyst - Presenting

$55,000

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.
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Innovator - Diamond

$35,000
  • 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.
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Accelerator - Platinum

$25,000
  • 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.
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Gold Sponsor

$15,000
  • 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
Count Me In

Silver Sponsor

$10,000
  • 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
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Bronze Sponsor

$5,000
  • 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
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Copper Sponsor

$2,500
  • 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
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Ubuntu Mixer Welcome

$5,000
  • Branded cocktail
  • speaking opportunity
  • signage
  • 4 tickets for Pitch Black Conference
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EGA Pitch Sponsor

$5,000
  • Official Sponsor of the EGA Pitch at Afrofest, with brand visibility, judging opportunity, and direct access to participating entrepreneurs.
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