Build Wealth. Build Power. Build Together.
MAC connects you to capital, high-value relationships, and strategic coaching so your business doesn’t just survive: it scales.
- Access funding.
- Secure contracts
- Grow your influence.
- Accelerate your revenue.
This is where serious entrepreneurs come to grow.
Welcome to the Midlands African Chamber
We connect, empower, and champion businesses.
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
Today we celebrate International Women’s Day by honoring a historic milestone for the Midlands African Chamber. For the first time in the history of the Pitch Black Conference, our 2026 Pitch Black champions are an all-women cohort of entrepreneurs. These founders represent the innovation, resilience, and leadership shaping the future of our communities. Meet the 2026 Pitch Black finalists: ✨ Regina Tate — Art of Homecare Training Center Providing job-ready healthcare certifications including Nursing Assistant, Medication Aide, CPR, First Aid, and BLS to strengthen the local workforce. ✨ Rachel Gai & Destiny Williams — UpStitch Studio An education-first sewing and upcycling studio empowering creatives and students to repair, redesign, and extend the life of clothing through sustainable fashion practices. ✨ Sharnelle Shelton — CoreScience BioDiagnostics A North Omaha community-based laboratory expanding healthcare access through diagnostic testing, workforce compliance services, substance education, and harm reduction programs. ✨ Shatice Jones — Nava Living Co. An herbal wellness brand creating Ayurvedic-inspired tea blends that support stress relief, sleep, digestion, and holistic wellness. ✨ Shinnice Preston — Zuri and Me A lifestyle hair care brand offering satin-lined bonnets and headwear designed to protect hair and support medical and postpartum hair loss journeys. These exceptional entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses before a panel of judges and a dynamic audience at the 2026 Pitch Black Conference. MAC invites entrepreneurs, investors, and community champions to join us in celebrating and supporting these remarkable women founders. 🎟 Tickets available at www.wepitchblack.com #InternationalWomensDay #PitchBlackConference #WomenEntrepreneurs #BlackWomenInBusiness #MACChamber CultureChangeAndCapital SupportWomenOwnedBusinesses Entrepreneurship Nava Living Co. Shatice Archie Sharnelle Shelton MAC Foundation Zuri and Me @upstichstudio HRMinded Consulting Services LLC
3 Days to Go! Join us for Umoja Forum, Live on Facebook! Don’t miss our Umoja Forum streaming Wednesday, March 11 at 6 PM on Facebook Live! Join this interactive discussion to learn how community members can engage with local government, advocate for key issues, and create real impact. Panelists: • @Brad Christian-Sallis – Chief Power Officer, Nebraska Civic Engagement Table • LaVonya Goodwin – 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 Date: Wed, March 11, 2026 Time: 6–7 PM Where: Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/share/17xG1J8eK6/ Host: Fidele Mienso Check the flyer for details and tune in—your voice matters!
Today we celebrate International Women’s Day by honoring a historic milestone for the Midlands African Chamber. For the first time in the history of the Pitch Black Conference, our 2026 Pitch Black champions are an all-women cohort of entrepreneurs. These founders represent the innovation, resilience, and leadership shaping the future of our communities. Meet the 2026 Pitch Black finalists: ✨ Regina Tate — Art of Homecare Training Center Providing job-ready healthcare certifications including Nursing Assistant, Medication Aide, CPR, First Aid, and BLS to strengthen the local workforce. ✨ Rachel Gai & Destiny Williams — UpStitch Studio An education-first sewing and upcycling studio empowering creatives and students to repair, redesign, and extend the life of clothing through sustainable fashion practices. ✨ Sharnelle Shelton — CoreScience BioDiagnostics A North Omaha community-based laboratory expanding healthcare access through diagnostic testing, workforce compliance services, substance education, and harm reduction programs. ✨ Shatice Jones — Nava Living Co. An herbal wellness brand creating Ayurvedic-inspired tea blends that support stress relief, sleep, digestion, and holistic wellness. ✨ Shinnice Preston — Zuri and Me A lifestyle hair care brand offering satin-lined bonnets and headwear designed to protect hair and support medical and postpartum hair loss journeys. These exceptional entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses before a panel of judges and a dynamic audience at the 2026 Pitch Black Conference. MAC invites entrepreneurs, investors, and community champions to join us in celebrating and supporting these remarkable women founders. 🎟 Tickets available at www.wepitchblack.com #InternationalWomensDay #PitchBlackConference #WomenEntrepreneurs #BlackWomenInBusiness #MACChamber #CultureChangeAndCapital #SupportWomenOwnedBusinesses #Entrepreneurship Nava Living Co. Shatice Archie Sharnelle Shelton MAC Foundation Zuri and Me @upstichstudio HRMinded Consulting Services LLC
Only 1 week to go until Suit Up, now with a PROM EDITION! Get ready to elevate your career and confidence at the Suit Up Career Readiness Event, hosted by the Midlands African Chamber in partnership with Girls Inc of Omaha and 100 Black Men of Omaha , on Saturday, March 14 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM at Girls Inc. of Omaha. This year’s Prom Edition will feature tuxedos for male youth for prom season, alongside professional attire and career-readiness resources for all participants. Attendees will enjoy: Career-appropriate & prom-ready attire Resume guidance & mock interviews Professional headshots Elevator pitch coaching Don’t miss out! Reserve your spot today: https://fundmac.org/suit-up-program-registration/ A huge thank you to Ignite Nebraska , our partners, volunteers, and participants for making Suit Up possible!
Last Chance: 2026 MAC Foundation Scholarship Drive Ends March 31! Time is running out to support the 2026 MAC Foundation 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 help, we aim to award 20 more $1,000 scholarships in 2026 for students pursuing Accounting, Finance, Law, and STEM. Act now to make a difference: • Donate any amount • Sponsor a student through a one-time or recurring pledge • All gifts 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/ Don’t wait—your support opens doors, fuels ambition, and empowers the next generation of leaders! #MACFoundation #ScholarshipSupport #InvestInStudents #EducationEquity #FutureLeaders
We would like to send our gratitude to James Freeman for donating suit jackets, slacks, ties, and other professional attire in support of our Suit Up program! With generous donors like James, we can provide professional attire, along with career readiness resources, to the underserved business professionals in our community! If you want to get involved with or participate in Suit Up, you can learn more at https://fundmac.org/suit-up-program/. Be sure you do not miss our upcoming Suit Up on March 14th at Girls Inc.! #midlandsafricanchamber #macfoundation #jointhetribe #suituptolevelup #suitup #careerreadiness #careerready #omahaevents #givingback
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
March 2026
Umoja Forum™ | Your Voice Matters: Get Involved in Local Government
MAC Foundation Suit Up | Career Readiness Program
Subscribe to our newsletter
Stay updated on chamber news. Receive alerts on memberships, events, and promotions.