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.
The Million Dollar Pitch Competition is part of SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative recognizing the entrepreneurs and small businesses that helped build America’s first 250 years, and those who will help build its next 250.
MEDIA RSVP
Credentialed media are invited to request access to cover the Friday, September 18, 2026, Small Business Expo in Washington, D.C., with opportunities to cover entrepreneurs, programming and activities throughout the day.
Media interested in booking hosts, judges, entrepreneurs or other participating guests for on-site interviews, broadcast segments or podcasts should contact mediaops@teamesi.com. A limited number of dedicated spaces will be available for marquee broadcast, podcast and digital interviews.
Due to production requirements, there will be no general media access to the Freedom 250 Million Dollar Pitch production. A very limited number of outlets may have the opportunity to cover select portions of the production, subject to availability and advance approval.
Space is extremely limited, and registration does not guarantee access. Media must RSVP in advance here.
Additional media logistics and confirmed coverage opportunities will be provided directly to approved media.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.