Ega Pitch Competition at AfroFest Omaha 2026
Hosted by the Midlands African Chamber, Inc.
A fast-paced, high-impact opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs to pitch live at the 8th Annual AfroFest Omaha — the Midwest's largest celebration of African and Afro-diasporic culture.
About the Event
Come for the culture. Pitch for the future. Win the Ega.
The MAC Chamber — formerly known as the Midlands African Chamber, Inc. — is proud to launch the inaugural 2026 EGA Pitch Competition, held during the 8th Annual AfroFest Omaha.
This live pitch event spotlights innovative, Black-owned businesses, student-led ventures, and emerging founders. It's not just a pitch competition — it's a celebration of brilliance, innovation, and economic empowerment in action.
This isn't just a pitch competition — it's a celebration of brilliance, innovation, and economic empowerment in action.
What's at Stake
Real prizes. Real opportunities. Real impact.
Five semi-finalists pitch under the MAC tent at AfroFest. Two finalists take the main stage. Winners walk away with funding, mentorship, and a launching pad for their business.
$500
Stage Winner Grant
Awarded live on the AfroFest main stage to the pitch competition winner.
MAC-Xcelerator
Acceptance into the MAC-Xcelerator Program.
All semi-finalists receive guaranteed acceptance into the MAC-Xcelerator 12-week hybrid accelerator program.
1 year
Free MAC Membership
One year complimentary membership with the MAC Chamber upon completion of the MAC-X program, plus access to a dedicated SCORE business mentorship during the program.
First Place
Total Value :$2550 ($500 cash and $2050 in technical assistance)
- Cash Prize: Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).
- Free Booth at AfroFest (estimated value of $400).
- Guaranteed Acceptance into the MAC-Xcelerator Program, including an additional award of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) upon successful completion of the program (if eligible).
- One-Year Membership with MAC a value of $150.
- Business Mentorship through the MAC-Xcelerator Program.
- Business Plan Support.
- Pitch Deck Support.
- Connections to Investors and Funders.
- Exposure on a Major Regional Cultural Platform.
- QuickBooks Training with Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) (estimated value of $500).
Second Place
Total Value :$1550.00
- Free Booth at AfroFest (estimated value of $400).
- Guaranteed Acceptance into the MAC-Xcelerator Program, if eligible, including an additional award of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) upon successful completion of the program.
- One-Year Small Business Membership with MAC (estimated value of $150.00).
- Business Mentorship through the MAC-Xcelerator Program.
- Business Plan Support.
- Pitch Deck Support.
- Connections to Investors and Funders.
- Exposure on a Major Regional Cultural Platform.
MAC Xcelerator Program
The MAC-X is a 12-week hybrid enterprise accelerator designed to strengthen, energize, and support startups and small businesses. Participants receive a business plan, pitch deck assistance, a complimentary MAC membership, and access to SCORE business mentors during the program.
Disclaimer: Businesses may only participate once in the MAC-Xcelerator program.
Who Should Apply
The Ega Pitch Competition is open to a wide range of entrepreneurs who are ready to take their ideas to the next level.
- Student entrepreneurs
- Recent graduates
- Early-stage business founders
- Underserved, immigrants, and refugees building innovative, community-driven ventures
Ready to take the stage?
Apply now for a chance to pitch live at AfroFest Omaha. Selected finalists will receive next steps to prepare for the competition.