The Midlands African Chamber.
We connect, empower, and champion businesses.
Welcome to the Midlands African Chamber.
Founded in 2020, the Midlands African Chamber is a membership-based organization that exists to enhance the robust African and African American business climate in Nebraska and across the Midwest. All benefits, programs, and events of the Chamber are designed to give businesses the opportunity to make or save money, acquire knowledge and skills to help grow a network of successful entrepreneurs.
What we do
The Midlands African Chamber advocates for and represents the business interests and issues affecting the African and African American communities in Nebraska and the Midwest.
Advocacy & Support
Promotional Opportunities
News & Updates
Umoja Forum Returns! Join the Conversation! Be part of our upcoming Umoja Forum on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00 PM, streaming live on Facebook. This dynamic discussion will spotlight how community members can engage with local government, advocate for issues that matter, and drive positive change. Local elected officials and civic leaders will share insights and practical ways to get involved. Featured Panelists: • @Brad Christian-Sallis, Chief Power Officer, Nebraska Civic Engagement Table • LaVonya Goodwin for City Council , Omaha City Council Member • @Y’Shall Davis, Civic Engagement Strategist, Nebraska Civic Engagement Table • @Pete Festerson, Omaha City Council Member • @Mary Ann Borgeson, Douglas County Board of Commissioners Details: Date: March 11, 2026 Time: 6:00–7:00 PM Location: Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/share/17xG1J8eK6/ Host: Fidele Mienso See the flyer below for more details and be sure to tune in! Your voice makes a difference!
Support the 2026 MAC Foundation Scholarship and Shape Futures The MAC Foundation continues its mission to expand access to higher education through the 2026 Scholarship Fundraising Drive. Since 2023, we’ve awarded 44 scholarships totaling $44,000, helping high school and college students from BIPOC, refugee, and immigrant communities reach their academic goals. In 2025, 20 students received scholarships. With your support, we aim to award 20 more $1,000 scholarships in 2026 to students pursuing Accounting, Finance, Law, and STEM studies. Ways to make a difference: • Give a gift of any size • Sponsor a student with a one-time or recurring pledge • All contributions are 100% tax-deductible Donate: https://fundmac.org/mac-foundation-2025-scholarship-drive/ Pledge or give monthly: https://fundmac.org/mac-foundation-scholarship-donors-pledge-form/ Your generosity creates opportunity, fuels ambition, and cultivates the leaders of tomorrow. Partner with us to make a lasting impact! #MACFoundation #ScholarshipSupport #InvestInStudents #EducationEquity #FutureLeaders
Prepare to take your career to the next level at the Suit Up Career Readiness Event, hosted by Girls Inc. of Omaha and the Midlands African Chamber, on Saturday, March 14, 9 AM–12 PM at Girls Inc. of Omaha. This free event provides hands-on support including professional attire, resume guidance, mock interviews, headshots, LinkedIn tips, and elevator pitch coaching—designed to help participants leave confident and career-ready. Reserve your spot today: https://fundmac.org/suit-up-program-registration/ A special thank you to our partners such as Girls Inc. of Omaha and Ignite Nebraska as well as our volunteers and participants whose dedication makes this event possible. #SuitUptoLevelUp #CareerReadiness #ProfessionalDevelopment #MACFoundation #MidlandsAfricanChamber
Pitch Black 2026 is building strong momentum as businesses across the Midwest invest in inclusive entrepreneurship and economic growth. While we have secured early sponsorship commitments, we are actively seeking additional corporate partners who want to be part of this powerful movement. Pitch Black is more than a pitch competition — it is a dynamic business ecosystem bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and community stakeholders under one roof. On May 2, 2026, in Omaha, we will once again create pathways to capital, strategic connections, and long-term opportunity. If your organization is ready to align with innovation, diversity, and impact, now is the time to step in. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Learn more at wepitchblack.com
Dreams will be pitched. Futures will be funded. 🔥 Pitch Black 2026 is where bold entrepreneurs take the stage and compete for $10,000 toward their business. Come for the pitches, stay for the networking. 🎟️ Grab your tickets today: https://wepitchblack.com #wepitchblack #jointhetribe #pitchblack2026
What our members are saying
I am glad to be a member of this great organization. They work hard to elevate your business. I have been accepted into the Fall 2024 Cohort “One Million Black Women: Black in Business program”. Thank you to the CEO karine Sokpoh who is very informative !
I don’t think it was a flute that I found the Midlands African Chamber. They put great effort into marketing themselves within the community. As an organization their missions involves helping BIPOC and immigrants by offering education, networking opportunities, mentorship, and more. I’ve been actively involved with their programs for “only” 6 months and I’ve gotten rewarded so much more than I would’ve expected. If you fit their target demographic, definitely give them a chance and check out what they can offer you!
The Midlands African Chamber is the organization that helped me building stronger connexions and more visibility for my real estate business. The MAC provides many resources, useful for businesses and individuals. I recommend to join the Midlands African Chamber, today!
We have been able to access great networking events to grow our business. I would recommend you joining!
MAC Foundation
The MAC Foundation is the fundraising arm of the Midlands African Chamber organized as a 501(c)(3) corporation exclusively for charitable, educational, and cultural purposes in the state of Nebraska.
The Foundation provides a mechanism to establish, administer and finance programs that enhance the robust African and African American communities’ crucial needs, in line with the goals of the Midlands African Chamber.
If you have any questions about the Foundation or would like to discuss ways in which you can become involved in its work, please contact us.
MAC Programs and Initiatives
MAC Xcelerator
The MAC Xcelerator (MAC-X) is an enterprise accelerator program aimed at supporting BIPOC-led startups and small businesses in Nebraska and the Midlands. It focuses on empowering Black business leaders with solutions that address community needs and promote sustainable growth. The program is held twice a year, in Fall and Spring, offering participants financial incentives and the option to apply for the Pitch Black competition. Graduates of MAC-X can receive up to $1,000 in seed funding.
Pitch Black
Pitch Black is a Midwest conference designed to boost entrepreneurship in diverse communities. It features prominent speakers, a business expo, and a pitch competition for BIPOC, immigrant, and refugee entrepreneurs. Participants compete for a grand prize of up to $15,000 and in-kind support exceeding $40,000. This support includes essential services like marketing, legal, and accounting to help grow their ventures.
Suit Up Program
The Midlands African Chamber’s Suit Up Program aims to empower young men and women to achieve economic independence. It offers support through professional attire, headshots, and job readiness training. The program focuses on at-risk teens and young adults in Black, Brown, immigrant, and refugee communities. Its goal is to inspire and build a pipeline of future minority entrepreneurs.
Rising CEOs
Rising CEOs is a Leadership and Entrepreneurship program funded by the Omaha Community Foundation, Sherwood Foundation, and Weitz Foundation. It aims to nurture entrepreneurial spirit, technology, and leadership skills among at-risk black and brown youth aged 14 to 19. The program focuses on creating opportunities for teens from immigrant, refugee, and minority communities. Its goal is to inspire and develop the next generation of minority entrepreneurs.
Members Emergency Fund
Our mission is to connect, empower, and support black businesses through unity and collaboration. The MAC Emergency Fund reflects our commitment to standing by our members during challenging times. We understand that unforeseen events can threaten business stability. Our goal is to provide the resources and support needed to help members maintain their operations.
Scholarship Fund
The MAC Foundation Scholarships support Black, refugee, and immigrant high school seniors and college students pursuing Accounting, Finance, Law, and STEM fields. The scholarship application is now open, aiming to alleviate financial pressure for deserving students. Each recipient can receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship for tuition and books. The program seeks to reward students who show strong dedication to their studies and passion for their chosen disciplines.
Contractors Connect
Contractors Connect is a quarterly luncheon initiative by the Midlands African Chamber, Inc. (MAC), aimed at fostering growth and providing valuable resources to underserved and minority-owned contractors. This program serves as a dynamic platform for minority contractors to connect with larger general contractors, gain access to vital industry resources, and explore potential opportunities.
Trade Mission
Postponed
The Midlands African Chamber Inc. mission trade offers US-based businesses a unique opportunity to explore key markets in West Africa, build international connections, and uncover new opportunities for growth. The mission will focus on high-growth economic hubs in Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Participants will engage in pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings with potential partners, distributors, and clients and visits to iconic sites such as Elmina Castle in Ghana and Togo’s Grand Marché, enhancing both business prospects and cultural understanding.
Upcoming Events
February 2026
MAC B2B AGORA | Beyond the Itinerary: Building Executable Trade Missions in West Africa
March 2026
Umoja Forum™ | Your Voice Matters: Get Involved in Local Government
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