Rapper Nicki Minaj and actor Dean Cain are set to participate in a live pitch competition at the White House later this month, where five American entrepreneurs will vie for a share of a $1 million prize pool. The event, organized by the Small Business Administration (SBA), will take place in Washington, D.C., on September 18 and will be broadcasted on television as well as streamed online.
Joining Minaj on the celebrity panel will be private-equity expert Grant Cardone and Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb and currently serving as Trump’s chief design officer. Cain, known for his role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” will act as the event’s host. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler expressed enthusiasm about the judges, noting their significant achievements in business and their potential to inspire the finalists.
This competition, launched as part of the Trump administration’s celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary, attracted submissions from entrepreneurs nationwide. Clover, a payment processing company, is funding the total cash prize pool, which includes $400,000 for the first-place winner and varying amounts for the following finalists.
The five national finalists are: Compotech, Inc. from Brewer, Maine; Winton Machine from Suwanee, Georgia; Plas-Tech Tooling in Garner, Iowa; Red River from Gillette, Wyoming; and VetPowered LLC from San Diego, California. The event parallels the format of the popular show “The Apprentice,” where contestants compete for business opportunities.
Minaj has publicly supported Trump, describing herself as his "number one fan" and has contributed significantly to one of his financial initiatives. This event is among several unconventional gatherings hosted by the Trump administration since his return to office in January 2025.
Why this story matters: Highlights the intersection of celebrity influence and entrepreneurship.
Key takeaway: The competition offers significant financial support to small businesses.
Opposing viewpoint: Critics may view the event as a politicization of entrepreneurship.
