Nationwide — Nicki Minaj is joining a celebrity panel judging the Trump administration’s $1 million Million Dollar Pitch Competition, a new contest highlighting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Five finalists will compete for a share of the prize money during a live finale scheduled for Sept. 18 in Washington, D.C. The competition will give business owners a chance to present their ideas to a panel of high-profile judges while competing for funding to help grow their companies.
The Small Business Administration announced the judging panel on Monday, Aug. 31. Along with Minaj, the panel will include private equity fund manager Grant Cardone and Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia, according to Billboard. Actor Dean Cain will host the event, which has been described as a mix of the business competition shows “Shark Tank” and “The Apprentice.” The five finalists will make their pitches before the judges during the Washington event.
The $1 million prize pool will be divided among all five finalists. The first-place winner will receive $400,000, while the second-place winner will get $250,000. Third place comes with $150,000, followed by $125,000 for fourth place and $75,000 for fifth place. The money is intended to provide growth capital for the participating small businesses as they work to expand.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the competition will highlight the role small businesses play in the country’s economy. She said the event will also recognize entrepreneurs and business owners as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. Loeffler added that the finalists will bring different ideas and experiences to the competition and said she looked forward to joining the judges in September.
Minaj also addressed her new role on X after the SBA revealed the panel. She welcomed the opportunity and said, “This is a major, MAJOR KEY. Sooooooooooo looking forward to this!!! Imagine being a part of the Trump Administration’s initiative to support small businesses. Let’s GO!!!!!!!!!!” Her experience as a rapper and entrepreneur gives her a background in entertainment and business, adding another perspective to the judging panel.
The appointment also comes as Minaj has become increasingly supportive of President Donald Trump over the past year. She met him during a Trump Accounts Summit in January, where she praised the president and called herself his No. 1 fan. Trump later spoke highly of the rapper during a presidential luncheon in July, describing her as talented and widely respected. Now, she is set to take part in a Trump administration event that puts small-business owners at the center of a million-dollar competition.