Nicki Minaj is heading to Washington to judge five businesses competing for a share of $1 million in a live pitch contest organized by the Trump administration’s Small Business Administration.
The SBA announced that Minaj will judge the September 18 finale alongside businessman and investor Grant Cardone and Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia. Former Lois & Clark star Dean Cain will host.
The setup has already invited comparisons with President Donald Trump’s years on The Apprentice. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler promoted the event by saying the agency is bringing “boardroom energy” to Washington, although the competition is an SBA small business initiative rather than a revival of Trump’s television series.
The $1 million will not go to a single winner. Clover Network is funding five cash prizes, with every finalist guaranteed between $75,000 and $400,000.
Nicki Minaj Calls the Judging Role a ‘Major, MAJOR KEY’
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!!!!!!!!!! 🎀 https://t.co/ykXLkjQlag— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) August 31, 2026
Minaj celebrated the assignment on X, writing that she was looking forward to participating in a Trump administration initiative supporting small businesses.
Her involvement follows several increasingly public appearances alongside Trump. At the Trump Accounts Summit in Washington in January, Minaj described herself as “probably the president’s number one fan” and said criticism of her support only motivated her further.
Gebbia brings a different connection to the administration. In addition to cofounding Airbnb and serving on the boards of Airbnb and Tesla, he was appointed by Trump in 2025 as the first U.S. chief design officer.
Cardone rounds out the three person judging panel, while Cain will handle hosting duties for the live finale.
Every Finalist Gets a Share of the $1 Million
The SBA’s official prize structure gives $400,000 to first place, $250,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $125,000 to fourth and $75,000 to fifth.
The five finalists are Compotech Inc. of Brewer, Maine; Winton Machine of Suwanee, Georgia; Plas Tech Tooling of Garner, Iowa; Red River of Gillette, Wyoming; and VetPowered LLC of San Diego.
The SBA says 1,182 small businesses from every state submitted pitches. Contestants were evaluated on American competitiveness, innovation and business performance, economic impact and quality jobs, and their business fundamentals and readiness to execute.
The finalists will make their pitches before the celebrity panel and a live audience in Washington on September 18.
The Competition Started in May as Patriot Pitch
The SBA launched the competition May 13 under the Patriot Pitch name as part of its Freedom 250 programming marking the country’s 250th anniversary.
Applicants had to meet more than the usual definition of a small business. Eligible companies needed at least three years of operating history, annual gross revenue of at least $100,000 and previous use of qualifying SBA capital programs.
Those programs included 7(a) loans, 504 loans, Microloan financing, SBIR or STTR funding and SBIC financing. Businesses also had to satisfy ownership, operating and federal obligation requirements.
The original field was reduced to 10 semifinalists in July before the SBA selected the five companies advancing to Washington.
The September event will include more than the pitches. The SBA says its program will feature speakers from government and business, supplier matchmaking, contracting opportunities and networking with investors and industry leaders.
Loeffler Says the SBA Is Bringing ‘Boardroom Energy’ to Washington
SBA is bringing the boardroom energy to Washington, D.C. and rolling out the red carpet for small biz.
— Kelly Loeffler (@SBA_Kelly) August 31, 2026
Loeffler’s description gives the competition some of the language and presentation of a television business contest. Five entrepreneurs will pitch before celebrity judges, a host will guide the live finale and substantial cash prizes are attached to the results.
Its rules differ substantially from The Apprentice. The contestants are established small businesses rather than cast members competing through weekly tasks, and none of the five finalists will leave Washington without prize money.
The SBA said when it launched the competition that finalists would pitch before a live audience and a “national audience.” The agency has confirmed the September 18 event but, as of September 2, has not identified a specific television network or streaming platform for viewers outside the room.