Nicki Minaj is set to take on a new role as a judge in a Donald Trump administration-backed small business competition with $1 million in prize money on the line.
The Grammy-nominated rapper and entrepreneur will join a panel of high-profile figures for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Million Dollar Pitch Competition. Five small business owners will pitch their companies as they compete for a share of the prize money.
The live finale is scheduled for September 18 in Washington, D.C. Actor Dean Cain will host the event, while investor Grant Cardone and Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia will join Minaj on the judging panel.
Nicki Minaj Will Judge Five Small Business Entrepreneurs
The competition will give five entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their businesses before a panel with experience in entertainment, investing, technology and entrepreneurship.
According to the SBA, the first-place winner will receive $400,000. The second-place winner will take home $250,000, while third place will receive $150,000.
The fourth-place winner will receive $125,000, and the fifth-place entrepreneur will receive $75,000. Together, the five prizes add up to $1 million in cash that can provide important funding for business growth.
Five Businesses Are Competing for the $1 Million Prize
The five finalists come from different parts of the United States and represent a range of industries. They are Compotech Inc. from Brewer, Maine; Winton Machine from Suwanee, Georgia; and Plas-Tech Tooling from Garner, Iowa.
The remaining finalists are Red River from Gillette, Wyoming, and VetPowered LLC from San Diego, California. Each business will have the chance to explain its work, growth plans and potential before the judges.
For small businesses, access to growth capital can be especially important. The competition puts those companies in front of a high-profile audience while giving the finalists a chance to compete for significant financial support.
Donald Trump Administration Created the SBA Competition
The Million Dollar Pitch Competition is part of the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative. The Trump administration launched the initiative as part of efforts connected to the United States’ 250th birthday celebrations.
The competition takes a reality-TV-style approach to highlighting entrepreneurs. It also places small business owners at the center of an event designed to celebrate entrepreneurship and private enterprise.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the judging panel brings experience from several industries. She described Minaj, Cardone, Gebbia and Cain as successful entrepreneurs who could add excitement to the finale.
“Their presence will be invaluable in highlighting the unique and inspiring stories of the five finalists competing for $1 million in growth capital,” Loeffler said.
She also pointed to the importance of small businesses and their role in the American economy.
Nicki Minaj’s Business Career Takes Her Into a New Role
Minaj’s involvement adds a major entertainment name to the competition. The Trinidad and Tobago-born artist has built a business career alongside her success in music.
Her work has included brand partnerships, business ventures and entrepreneurial projects. She has also used her large public platform to speak about issues beyond music.
Her appearance at the SBA event comes after a major shift in her public political views. Minaj has become increasingly supportive of Trump and his administration after previously speaking out on issues involving immigration and the treatment of migrant children.
Nicki Minaj Has Publicly Supported Donald Trump
Minaj has been open about her support for Trump in recent months. At a Treasury Department summit in Washington, D.C., in January, she reportedly described herself as “probably the president’s No. 1 fan.”
She also said she received Trump’s gold card at no cost. The card is associated with a program that allows wealthy immigrants to make a $1 million contribution as part of a pathway connected to U.S. residency and citizenship.
Her political shift has attracted attention because of her earlier comments on immigration. Still, her new position has placed her among several celebrities and business figures who have publicly supported Trump.
Grant Cardone and Joe Gebbia Bring Business Experience
Minaj will not be the only well-known figure on the judging panel. Grant Cardone, a real estate investor and entrepreneur, will also judge the pitches.
Cardone has publicly supported Trump’s economic policies, including his approach to tariffs and taxes. He has argued that trade policies can help address economic challenges.
Gebbia brings a different type of business background. The Airbnb co-founder was selected by Trump to serve as the United States’ first chief design officer. His technology and business experience will add another perspective to the judging panel.
Dean Cain Will Host the Live Finale
Actor Dean Cain will serve as host of the September 18 finale in Washington, D.C. Cain is widely known for playing Superman in the 1990s television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
Cain has also become involved in conservative political circles in recent years. According to the information reported by Black Enterprise, he joined U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as an honorary officer.
His role as host means the event will combine entertainment, politics and business as the five entrepreneurs compete for the $1 million prize.
The Competition Puts Small Businesses in the Spotlight
Beyond the celebrity names, the competition highlights the importance of funding for small businesses. Entrepreneurs often need capital to hire workers, purchase equipment, expand operations or enter new markets.
The five finalists will now have the opportunity to present their businesses on a major stage. The money could also give the winners room to invest in their next phase of growth.
The Million Dollar Pitch Competition therefore represents more than a televised-style contest. For the entrepreneurs involved, it could provide both financial support and valuable exposure as they work to build stronger businesses.
