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
✨ In recognition of Women’s History Month, MAC Chamber, Inc. (MAC) celebrates the women whose leadership shapes our vision and drives our impact. We are proud to recognize Shari Strong, VP Community Manager for JP Morgan Chase Co., Adjunct Professor at Metropolitan Community College, Founder of The Josh Place, CEO and Founder of Decision DynamiX, and a valued member of our Board of Directors. Through her leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to community, she plays a critical role in advancing entrepreneurship and strengthening the ecosystems we serve. 👏 We thank Shari for her continued leadership and dedication to MAC’s mission. #WomensHistoryMonth #MACChamber #MACLeadership #CommunityImpact #midlandsafricanchamber #jointhetribe #wepitchblack #leadership
Only 5 Days Left! 2026 MAC Foundation Scholarship Drive Ends March 31 Time is running out to support the 2026 MAC Foundation Scholarship 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 can fund 20 more $1,000 scholarships in 2026 for students pursuing Accounting, Finance, Law, and STEM. How to help: • Donate any amount • Sponsor a scholar 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/ Act fast—your support opens doors, fuels ambition, and empowers the next generation of leaders! #MACFoundation #ScholarshipSupport #InvestInStudents #EducationEquity #FutureLeaders
MAC Roll Call 📣 Join us for our next Roll Call—an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow with fellow professionals across the MAC network. 📍 Location: Ital Vital Living 📅 Date: 04.08.26 ⏰ Time: 5pm-8pm Whether you’re looking to build relationships, share your work, or plug into the community, Roll Call is the place to be. Register here: https://forms.gle/7Wj327eYkQvFx4bg8 We’ll see you there! #midlandsafricanchamber #jointhetribe #wepitchblack #entrepreneurship #omahaevents #omahabusiness #networking #macrollcall #supportblackbusiness
🔥 “Satin-lined headwear rooted in comfort and confidence” Purpose, quality, and representation. Shinnice Preston, founder of Zuri and Me, is a 2026 Pitch Black Conference finalist and she is ready to take the stage. Zuri and Me is a lifestyle hair care brand offering premium satin lined bonnets and headwear for all ages. Designed to support protective styles and gentle routines, their products also provide comfort for those experiencing hair loss due to medical or personal journeys. With a strong focus on quality, inclusivity, and intentional design, Zuri and Me continues to build a brand that feels personal, empowering, and deeply connected to the community it serves. 🎤 Come watch Zuri and Me compete live at the 2026 Pitch Black Conference. 👉 Follow Zuri and Me and Shinnice Preston to stay connected. 🎟 Get your tickets: www.wepitchblack.com #MidlandsAfricanChamber #MACChamber #PitchBlackConference #PitchBlack2026 #ZuriAndMe #BlackEntrepreneurs #WomenEntrepreneurs #SupportBlackBusiness #HairCare #ProtectiveStyles
🎤 Judge Announcement | Pitch Black 2026 The countdown to innovation begins. ⏳ Join us as we introduce the minds refining entrepreneurship, culture, and collaboration at the Midlands African Chamber’s MAC Pitch Black 2026 Conference and Pitch Competition. 🎙️ Meet Our Judge Tony Aguilera is an Omaha native who believes strong communities are built by investing in people and helping others reach their full potential. He retired after a 37-year career as Nebraska Sales Leader with UPS, where he built strong relationships across business and community sectors. He now serves as Community Outreach Specialist with JE Dunn Construction and as Executive Director of the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, supporting Latino and first-generation college students across Nebraska. 📅 May 2, 2026 | 10 AM to 5 PM 📍 MCC Fort Omaha Campus – Culinary Arts MCC Institute for the Culinary Arts MAC Pitch Black brings together founders, investors, corporate leaders, and community builders for a full day of insight, networking, powerful conversations, and the Pitch Black competition finale. 🎫 Get your tickets: https://www.wepitchblack.com #MACPitchBlack2026 #CultureCapitalChange #WhereVisionMeetsValue #MidlandsAfricanChamber #MACChamber #WePitchBlack #JoinTheTribe #OmahaEvents #Entrepreneurship
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
April 2026
AIFS Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
May 2026
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