By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-09-01 23:36:33 | Updated at 2026-09-03 15:43:17
1 day ago
Rapper Nicki Minaj speaks during the Trump Accounts summit at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington on Jan. 28, 2026. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
The Trump administration is promoting small businesses in the U.S. through a new high-stakes reality television competition with rapper Nicki Minaj among its celebrity judges, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced on Aug. 31.
Dubbed the “Million Dollar Pitch Competition,” the event will bring five small-business finalists to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18 to compete for a combined $1 million in cash prizes.
The initiative is being organized by the SBA as part of the administration’s broader celebrations surrounding the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Minaj will serve on the judging panel alongside businessman and investor Grant Cardone and Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, who currently serves as the administration’s chief design officer. Actor Dean Cain is slated to host the final event.
“Great American entrepreneurs themselves, Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, Joe Gebbia, and Dean Cain will only add to the excitement of this historic celebration of free enterprise in the finale of our Million Dollar Pitch Competition,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler in a statement.
“From building globally recognized personal and business brands and multibillion-dollar portfolios to launching innovative wellness solutions and digital platforms, each brings a unique, real‑world perspective on business growth and impact.
“Their presence will be invaluable in highlighting the unique and inspiring stories of the five finalists competing for $1 million in growth capital, and the importance of Main Street businesses in powering American strength.”
The five finalists represent businesses from Maine, Georgia, Iowa, Wyoming and California. They include companies involved in defense technology, manufacturing, industrial machinery and other areas of the American economy. Each finalist is guaranteed a cash award, with the top prize set at $400,000.
The competition was originally developed under the name “Patriot Pitch Competition” before being rebranded as the “Million Dollar Pitch Competition.” According to the SBA, thousands of businesses applied before the field was narrowed to five finalists.
“This is a major, MAJOR KEY. Sooooooooooo looking forward to this!!!” Minaj wrote on X in response to the news. “Imagine being a part of the Trump Administration’s initiative to support small businesses. Let’s GO!!!!!!!!!!”
The rapper has become increasingly public in her support for President Donald Trump and has appeared alongside him at White House events.
Meanwhile, Cain, best known for his role as Superman in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” said he was “honored” to take on the role in a post on X.
Cardone echoed that sentiment, writing on X that he is “super excited and grateful to be a part of this incredible initiative.”
