WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Small Business Administration will bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders and some of the biggest names in business and entertainment on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Washington, D.C., for a Small Business Expo and the production of the Million Dollar Pitch Competition, celebrating American entrepreneurship as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.
Five entrepreneurs selected from 1,182 businesses representing all 50 states will compete for five prizes totaling $1 million in growth capital, funded by Clover Network, Inc. The finalists represent Maine, Georgia, Iowa, Wyoming and California.
Actor and entrepreneur Dean Cain will host the competition alongside judges Nicki Minaj, entrepreneur and private equity fund manager Grant Cardone, and Airbnb co-founder and U.S. Chief Design Officer Joe Gebbia. The competition will be produced on September 18 for a nationally distributed primetime special premiering in October, with additional details to be announced.
