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
⏳ Early Bird just got EXTENDED! You now have until September 30 to lock in your tickets for the MAC Foundation, Inc. Gratitude Gala & Awards 🎉Join us on November 22 at the MCC Institute for Culinary Arts – Fort Omaha Campus for an evening of purpose, pride, and powerful storytelling under the theme: “A Legacy of Liberation: From Civil Rights to Entrepreneurship.”✨ Early Bird Rates: 💎 $100 Members 💎 $110 Non-MembersThis isn’t just a Gala—it’s an investment in the future. Every ticket helps empower the next generation of Black entrepreneurs through scholarships, mentorship, and programs like Suit Up, Rising CEOs, Umoja Forums, Pitch Black, and the MAC Xcelerator.🎟️ Don’t wait—secure your tickets today at www.fundmac.org#MACFoundation #FundMAC #AttitudeOfGratitude #JoinTheTribe #MidlandsAfricanChamber #GratitudeGala2025 #LegacyOfLiberation #BlackExcellence
Join the Midlands African Chamber in supporting Omaha Headshot Co. as they celebrate the Grand Opening of their brand-new studio! 🎉📍 Sept 19 | 4–5 PM | 14440 F St, Ste 119, Omaha✨ Explore the new space, enjoy cocktails & bites 🍷🍴, connect with professionals 🤝, and enter to win a headshot giveaway 📸.👉 RSVP here: https://app.glueup.com/event/grand-opening-ribbon-cutting-omaha-headshot-co-new-studio-launch-155747/#JoinTheTribe #MidlandsAfricanChamber #CommunitySupport #OmahaHeadshotsCo.
Announcing the 2025 Gratitude Gala Award Nominees!MAC’s Gratitude Gala is back—honoring trailblazers in business, philanthropy, and community leadership. Join us for an inspiring evening as we recognize outstanding nominees making an impact across Nebraska. From small businesses and volunteers, to philanthropic stars and inclusion leaders, we’ll celebrate those advancing a legacy of liberation through civil rights and entrepreneurship.Save the Date: November 22, 2025 | 5:30 PM MCC Fort Omaha CampusCelebrate excellence, network with community changemakers, and support MAC’s mission for equity and empowerment. Congratulations to all our nominees—your dedication strengthens our community!#GratitudeGala2025 #MACFoundation #MidlandsAfricanChamber
Step Up, Suit Up, Stand Out: Unlock Your Career Potential!Ready to upgrade your career? Join the MAC Foundation’s SUIT UP! event and take your professional journey to new heights. Get a FREE suit or business attire, resume guidance, a makeover, and a professional headshot—all absolutely free! Level up your look, your skills, and your confidence at this career-boosting event.When? September 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PMWhere? Prairie Lane Christian Church 3111 S 119th St, Omaha, NE 68144Don’t Miss Out!Register now at fundmac.com or scan the QR code in the graphic.Set yourself apart. Your future starts here!
🚀 Ready to take your business global? Join us for the next MAC B2B Agora on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 9–10 AM CST.Topic: STEP Export Grants: How Nebraska Small Businesses Go Global 🌐🎙️ Featuring: Karine Sokpoh, CEO, MAC (Cohost) John Ouedraogo, Chair, MAC Global Trade Committee (Cohost) Isadora Sutton, Export Manager – STEP, Nebraska DED (Guest Speaker)Learn how STEP Export Grants can empower your small business to compete in international markets, access funding opportunities, and expand beyond borders.📺 Live online. Don’t miss this conversation—your gateway to global growth!#MACChamber #B2BAgora #GlobalTrade #NebraskaBusiness #ExportOpportunities #GoGlobal
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
September 2025
MAC Power Hour | Economics of a Small Business with Elyse Whittemore
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting: Omaha Headshot Co. New Studio Launch
Suit Up! Career Readiness Event
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