A mix of Shark Tank and The Apprentice is coming to Washington, D.C., and Nicki Minaj is set to be one of the judges for the Trump Administration’s small-business Million Dollar Pitch Competition, with a $1 million prize pool on the line.
According to Fox News, the five finalists will present their business pitches in front of a celebrity judge panel, which the SBA revealed Monday (Aug. 31) would include Minaj, private equity fund manager Grant Cardone and Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia. Actor Dean Cane is set to host the competition.
“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,” the Queens rapper wrote on X Monday. “Let’s GO!”
The SBA’s finale event is set for Sept. 18 in Washington, D.C. The $1 million prize pool will be broken down as follows: $400,000 to first place, second place takes home $250,000, third place earns $150,000, fourth place gets $125,000 and fifth place receives $75,000.
“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, the [Small Business Administration] 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,” SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler told Fox News.
Loeffler continued: “Their participation brings invaluable real-world perspective as our five exceptional finalists compete for a share of $1 million in growth capital. I look forward to joining them next month as we recognize the innovators and job creators who power American strength.”
Being a rap star and successful entrepreneur, Minaj brings a different perspective to the panel. She’s continued to align herself with the Trump Administration for the better part of the last year, as she’s made the right-wing MAGA pivot.
Minaj met the president at a Trump Accounts Summit in January, where she gushed about Donald Trump and labeled herself as his No. 1 fan. The commander in chief also raved about Minaj during a presidential luncheon in July. “She’s a fantastic person and she’s a woman that’s respected by everybody,” he said. “And she’s got real talent, Nicki Minaj. Nicki, stand up, please. Such a great person and respected by everybody.”
On the music front, Minaj hasn’t released a single this year. Her last album arrived with Pink Friday 2 in 2023, which topped the Billboard 200.
This story originally appeared on Billboard
