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
🏆 Champion: Dr. Orlanda Joi Whitfield CEO, Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn ✨ A true trailblazer! ✨ Dr. Orlanda Whitfield rose to the top as the 2025 Pitch Black Champion! Her flavorful journey with Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn captivated the judges and the audience. Dr. Whitfield reminded us that when you lead with passion and purpose, success will follow. Congratulations to Dr. Whitfield for making history and paving the way for others to pop their dreams into reality! 📅 Let’s meet again on May 2, 2026, for the next Pitch Black Conference! 🗓️ Applications for Pitch Black 2026 open on 01.02.2026 at www.wepitchblack.com. 👉🏾 Join the tribe: www.midlandsafricanchamber.com #PitchBlack2025 #Champion #BlackExcellence #StillPoppin
🥈 Runner Up: Basi Affia CEO, SensiiI Studios 🎨 Creativity with impact! 🎨 Basi Affia stood tall as the 2025 Pitch Black Runner Up, showing us the power of imagination and entrepreneurial drive. His work with SensiiI Studios is shaping the creative future and elevating storytelling in our community. Congratulations, Basi, for inspiring us all with your vision and bold leadership! 📅 Let’s meet again on May 2, 2026, for the next Pitch Black Conference! 🗓️ Applications for Pitch Black 2026 open on 01.02.2026 at www.wepitchblack.com. 👉🏾 Join the tribe: www.midlandsafricanchamber.com #PitchBlack2025 #RunnerUp #CreativeLeadership #BlackExcellence
🥉 Third Place & Investors’ Pick: Destiny Atkins & Shantell Girres CEO & COO, Gimme The Scoop 🍦 Scooping success with style! 🍦 Destiny Atkins and Shantell Girres wowed the room as the 2025 Pitch Black Third Place Winners and Investors’ Pick! Their business, Gimme The Scoop, is a sweet blend of innovation, flavor, and excellence. Their pitch didn’t just win hearts—it won investors too! Congratulations to this dynamic duo for showing us what teamwork and passion can achieve. 📅 Let’s meet again on May 2, 2026, for the next Pitch Black Conference! 🗓️ Applications for Pitch Black 2026 open on 01.02.2026 at www.wepitchblack.com. 👉🏾 Join the tribe: www.midlandsafricanchamber.com #PitchBlack2025 #InvestorsPick #BlackExcellence #GimmeTheScoop
🏅 Fourth Place: Tiffany Gamble CEO, Gamble Tech Firm 💻 Tech powered by culture and purpose! 💻 Tiffany Gamble brought color, energy, and brilliance to the Pitch Black stage, securing Fourth Place in the 2025 Pitch Black Competition. Through GambleTech Firm, she is building bridges between technology and community impact. Congratulations to Tiffany for leading with authenticity, power, and heart! 📅 Let’s meet again on May 2, 2026, for the next Pitch Black Conference! 🗓️ Applications for Pitch Black 2026 open on 01.02.2026 at www.wepitchblack.com. 👉🏾 Join the tribe: www.midlandsafricanchamber.com #PitchBlack2025 #TechLeader #BlackExcellence #GambleTech
🏅 Fifth Place: Haji Salad CEO, Patron Senior Living 🏠 Serving with heart and purpose! 🏠 Haji Salad earned Fifth Place at the 2025 Pitch Black Competition with his powerful mission through Patron Senior Living. His commitment to honoring and caring for our elders is a testament to his servant leadership and community-first mindset. Congratulations to Haji for reminding us that entrepreneurship is also about compassion and care. 📅 Let’s meet again on May 2, 2026, for the next Pitch Black Conference! 🗓️ Applications for Pitch Black 2026 open on 01.02.2026 at www.wepitchblack.com. 👉🏾 Join the tribe: www.midlandsafricanchamber.com #PitchBlack2025 #CommunityLeader #BlackExcellence #PatronSeniorLiving
CONGRATULATIONS! 👏🏽 A huge shout out to Dr. Orlanda Withfield, founder of Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn ! She was awarded the Midlands African Chamber, Inc.’s 2025 Pitch Black Champion 🏆 She received more than $50,000 in business support including $10,000!! Her popcorn is all natural & delicious! If you see her product at the Farmer’s Market - give it a try - you will not be disappointed 😋
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
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
July 2025
Mission & Meals™: Nonprofit Members-Only Luncheon
November 2025
2025 Gratitude Gala and Awards
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