Who we are
Founded in 2020, the MAC Chamber is a membership-based organization that exists to enhance the business climate for African, African American, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs in Nebraska and across the Midwest, with a focus on expanding access to capital, contracts, and networks. 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.
The Chamber puts members first working to provide them with numerous benefits, including exclusive networking, marketing, and cost-saving opportunities. The Chamber strives to create a positive economic impact in the Midwest by providing business opportunities, leadership, education, advocacy, and economic development.
Mission
To empower, connect, and champion African, African American, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs — and to expand economic opportunity for the communities they serve across Nebraska and the Midwest.
Vision
To establish a strong, internationally connected business ecosystem for African, African American, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs in the Midwest — increasing economic opportunity and GDP for the entire region.
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.
Pitch Black
Pitch Black is a Midwest conference designed to boost entrepreneurship in communities that have faced barriers to capital. It features speakers, a business expo, and a pitch competition offering up to $15,000 in prize money and over $40,000 in in-kind support (marketing, legal, accounting). The goal is to connect entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and resources, fostering economic growth and diversity.
We invite you to partner with the MAC and Pitch Black in championing entrepreneurship in undercapitalized and underresourced communities across Nebraska and the broader Midwest. Your involvement as a business or community partner is crucial to realizing the success of this endeavor. Let's collaborate to make a lasting impact together.
Goals
Member Services
Our members will have access to unique networking and promotional opportunities, educational programs, business services, and special events – all designed to help their business succeed.
Economic Development
Our economic development activities will feature the Chamber as an active partner in business attraction, business retention and expansion, transportation, redevelopment, workforce development, and recruitment and retention of talent. We believe that an exceptional quality of life is essential to creating a sustainable economy.
Advocacy and Public Policy
Build a proactive partnership with all levels of government and community organizations, to provide leadership for the social, economic, and cultural advancement of African, African American, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs and their communities.
The Chamber will be the voice of the diverse business communities and the guardians of the business climate.
Organizational Values
The MAC Chamber has embraced the following institutional values to direct our governance and activities:
- Excellence: We shall strive to meet the highest expectations.
- Partnership: we will work with local and regional partners to promote a diverse and thriving business environment.
- Community: We believe a strong community drives business success.
- Service: We believe in service to others before self and in respecting community resources
- Integrity: We shall demonstrate transparency, honesty, and trustworthiness in action and intent.
- Innovation: We shall embrace the creativity and forward-thinking of our members.
- Diversity and Inclusion: We shall include and respect diverse participation in community dialogue and decision-making.
- Courage: We shall persist and move forward with strength when faced with hardship and adversity.
