Nicki Minaj To Judge President Trump’s $1 Million Small Business Competition
Originally published by AllHipHop Read the original
Nicki Minaj is stepping into the boardroom for the Trump administration’s latest business venture, and she’s bringing some serious star power to the judging panel.
The Small Business Administration’s Million Dollar Pitch Competition is happening September 18 in Washington, D.C., and the rapper will help decide which entrepreneurs walk away with a slice of a million-dollar prize pool.
According to Fox News Digital, she’ll be joined by private equity manager Grant Cardone and Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia on the judging panel, with former “Superman” actor Dean Cain hosting the event.
Five finalists selected from entrepreneurs across the country will pitch their business ideas to the judges, who’ll then divvy up the cash.
The winner takes home $400,000, with second place earning $250,000, third getting $150,000, fourth receiving $125,000, and fifth place walking away with $75,000.
Every finalist is guaranteed money, so it’s not a total loss for anyone who makes it to the stage.
Nicki Minaj announced her involvement on X, writing, “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!!!!!!!!!!!”
The format mirrors “Shark Tank” and Trump’s old reality show “The Apprentice,” giving the whole thing that high-stakes business competition energy.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler framed the event as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, the SBA is celebrating America’s legacy of free enterprise through the Million Dollar Pitch Competition, a historic live event showcasing the essential contributions of America’s small businesses,” she told the outlet.
The rapper’s been a visible Trump supporter throughout 2026, showing up at the Trump Accounts Summit and the premiere of Melania Trump’s documentary.
Back in July, Trump himself praised Minaj during a White House luncheon, calling her “so respected and so hot and so great and such a great friend of common sense.”
He added, “She’s a fantastic person and she’s a woman that’s respected by everybody and she’s got real talent: Nicki Minaj.”
The Million Dollar Pitch Competition marks another high-profile moment for the rapper in Trump’s orbit.