A new Shark Tank-esque reality competition is in the works. And this time, a major network isn’t behind the show. Instead, Donald Trump’s team is spearheading the event.
Held by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Million Dollar Pitch will feature longtime Trump supporter Nicki Minaj, along with Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and real estate mogul Grant Cardone, as the all-star judging panel. While Minaj certainly brings some serious notoriety to this trio, the term “all-star” might be overselling it.
Minaj recently posted about her new judging gig on X, sharing, “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!”
But as it turns out, the rapper isn’t the only celeb tied to the live event. TV’s Superman, Dean Cain, is set to host the competition.
The Million Dollar Pitch pits five entrepreneurial finalists against each other for their share of $1 million in prize money (funded by Clover Network, Inc.).
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said, “Great American entrepreneurs themselves, Nicki Minaj, Grant Cardone, Joe Gebbia, and Dean Cain will only add to the excitement of this historic celebration of free enterprise in the finale of our Million Dollar Pitch Competition.”
Loeffler continued, “From building globally recognized personal and business brands and multibillion-dollar portfolios to launching innovative wellness solutions and digital platforms, each brings a unique, real-world perspective on business growth and impact. Their presence will be invaluable in highlighting the unique and inspiring stories of the five finalists competing for $1 million in growth capital, and the importance of Main Street businesses in powering American strength.”
Unlike reality TV shows, this competition doesn’t follow the contestants week to week. Entrepreneurs were invited to apply for the SBA’s “Patriot Pitch” program earlier this year, and were judged in four categories: Strengthening American competitiveness, small business “punching above its weight,” economic impact and quality jobs, and business fundamentals and execution readiness. Ten finalists were announced on July 4th during the Great American State Fair. Since then, the SBA has narrowed down the “Patriot Pitch” pool to five companies: Compotech, Inc., Winton Machine, Plas-Tech Tooling, Red River, and VetPowered LLC.
As part of the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative, this event commemorates America’s birthday, including 250 years of free enterprise. The prizes include $400,000 for first place, $250,00 for second place, $150,000 for third place, $125,000 for fourth place, and $75,000 for fifth place.