Nicki Minaj Is a Judge for Trump-Backed $1M Business Pitch Contest: ‘This Is a Major, Major Key’
The five finalists will look to impress her and the other judges in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18.
A unique blend of reality TV and entrepreneurship is heading to Washington, D.C., as the Trump Administration launches its $1 million Million Dollar Pitch Competition. Nicki Minaj, the renowned rapper and entrepreneur, has been named one of the celebrity judges alongside Grant Cardone, Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia, and actor Dean Cane. The five finalists will present their business pitches in front of this star-studded panel, which was announced by the Small Business Administration (SBA) on August 31.
Minaj expressed her enthusiasm on X (formerly Twitter), describing the competition as a "major, major key" and eagerly anticipating her role in the Trump Administration's initiative to support small businesses. The final event is scheduled for September 18 in Washington, D.C. The prize money will be awarded as follows: $400,000 for first place, $250,000 for second place, $150,000 for third place, $125,000 for fourth place, and $75,000 for fifth place.
SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized the significance of this event, stating that it celebrates America's legacy of free enterprise and recognizes the vital contributions of small businesses as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. Loeffler went on to highlight the invaluable real-world perspective the judges will bring to the competition.
Minaj, known for her alignment with the Trump Administration, has met President Trump at a Trump Accounts Summit and received praise from him in July. Despite a hiatus from releasing music this year, Minaj's last album, Pink Friday 2, topped the Billboard 200 in 2023.
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