MAC Xcelerator (MAC-X)

MAC Xcelerator (MAC-X) is sponsored by Midlands African Chamber Foundation. The MAC Xcelerator (MAC-X) is an enterprise accelerator program supporting BIPOC-led startups and small businesses in Nebraska and the Midlands. It focuses on empowering Black business leaders with solutions addressing community needs and promoting sustainable growth.

MAC Xcelerator | MAC Chamber The MAC Xcelerator (MAC-X) is an enterprise accelerator designed to support early-stage startups and small businesses in undercapitalized communities, as well as founders who have had limited access to traditional funding and business networks.

Intensive Business Training, Mentoring, and Coaching Build a Valuable Network and Social Capital The MAC Xcelerator (MAC-X) is an enterprise accelerator designed to support early-stage startups and small businesses in undercapitalized communities, as well as founders who have had limited access to traditional funding and business networks.

The program empowers entrepreneurs developing innovative, impact-driven solutions that address critical community needs while fostering sustainable business growth. In order to cater to a wide audience, the MAC-X program will be held biannually, with one session in the Fall and another in the Spring.

Participants in the program will have the opportunity to receive financial incentives and may choose to apply for the Pitch Black competition. However, being part of the MAC-X program does not guarantee participation in the Pitch Black competition or finale.

MAC-X is built for founders from overlooked or underresourced backgrounds leading early-stage and revenue-generating (seed to Series A) for-profit enterprises across Nebraska and the Midlands. Applications are welcome from all industries. The MAC-X Committee will select applicants to receive entrepreneurship and leadership training programs complemented by mentorship and network-building forums.

In addition, all participants will have the opportunity to apply for the Pitch Black competition. They will receive equity-free business funding and other business support through Pitch Black if they become finalists. Selected entrepreneurs will participate in a hybrid enterprise and leadership training program for the duration indicated on the application form.

The time commitment will be an average of 3 hours per week, including training sessions, mentorship, and network-building sessions.

For consideration, prospective candidates must meet the following basic requirements: Founder or executive of a scalable, for-profit startup The company must be led or co-led (51% ownership) by a founder who has faced barriers to traditional funding, such as a first-generation entrepreneur, immigrant or refugee, or someone from an underresourced community. The enterprise headquarters must be in Nebraska or Iowa.

Businesses must submit their application before the due date indicated on the application form. May be an established legal entity that has already been in operation for six months or more or a start-up.

The company must have been in existence for less than ten years of Applicants must submit an introductory video of themselves and their business or Individual entrants, or 51% of the owners of corporate applicants, must be residents of the state of Nebraska or Iowa.

Primary Selection Criteria Must demonstrate early traction evidenced in growing usage, revenue, or other The business should have a tangible digital or physical product or Potential for financial sustainability and investment. Demonstrate the quantifiable impact and time reach.

The entrepreneurs must be able to dedicate themselves to program acquisition, including enterprise training, mentorship sessions, networking events, and investor Participants are expected to meet with program peers, MAC network members, founders, and sponsors as part of their commitment.

Participants are expected to adhere to a high level of personal and professional integrity, respect for one another, and Participants must demonstrate a strong commitment to the program by promptly attending all training and networking sessions, submitting assignments on time, and actively engaging with mentor coaches and instructors.

Failure to meet the minimum requirement of 80% participation will result in automatic disqualification from eligibility for business seed funding . Likewise, participants who fall below a 45% participation rate will not be eligible to receive a certificate of accomplishment. Secondary Selection Criteria Applications are welcome from all industries.

The company shall demonstrate a commitment to inclusive hiring, community reinvestment, and equal opportunity in its operations.

Applicants must present a summary of a strategic business plan with the following components: Mission and vision statement of the business Employees (team, management, and owners) Problem /solution, Market Analysis/Opportunity Competition (clearly differentiate your company from applicants) Business Model and Operations (i.e., production, delivery, and potential growth) Financials/investment proposal Presentation is time-sensitive (must be 5 minutes maximum).

MAC Xcelerator Spring 2026 Cohort Timeline Disclaimer: By signing up, you are attesting that you can fully participate in the program and attend the sessions on the said dates below. Introductory Meeting/Program Expectations MAC Xcelerator Fall 2026 Cohort Timeline Disclaimer: By signing up, you are attesting that you can fully participate in the program and attend the sessions on the said dates below.

Introductory Meeting/Program Expectations Pitch Black 2026 Timeline Meeting: Finalists’ Expectations & Agreements Opportunity to apply to compete in the Pitch Black competition. Leadership and entrepreneurship training Regular virtual mentor meetings are held throughout the program to help master the curriculum and solve enterprises' specific challenges. Equity-free funding, mentorship, and business support.

Opportunity to participate in exclusive networking-building forums.

Possibility to connect and network with venture capitalists, angel investors, and impact Participants in the MAC Xcelerator will be selected based on their strengths in the following areas: Content (business nature and industry) Preparedness (research and work put in) Pitch skills (persuasion and on-time delivery) Competitive Advantage and Potential for Growth (SWOT analysis) Overall Concept (business concept, creativity, innovation, and vision) Community and target market (market size and social impact) Disclaimer: Travel and Expenses Participants in the MAC Xcelerator program are responsible for all costs associated with travel to and from any in-person sessions/events related to the program.

This includes, but is not limited to, transportation, lodging, and meals. The MAC Chamber will not be responsible for covering or reimbursing any travel or related expenses. Participants are advised to plan and budget accordingly for all travel-related costs.