Beyoncé awarded $10,000 to Chicago, IL, entrepreneur Franklin J. Ward.

As AfroTech previously mentioned, the singer’s BeyGOOD Foundation is blessing entrepreneurs across various Renaissance World Tour stops and empowering Black businesses with $100,000 in funding at various luncheons.

Ward was one of the lucky attendees to receive an invitation to the “Black Parade Route” luncheon held in Chicago, according to ABC 7 Chicago.

Ward was gifted $10,000 to support his wedding and event planning agency, FRWD Style.

“Words cannot express the amount of gratitude to BeyGOOD for selecting my small Black-Owned business, FRWD Style as a recipient of 1 of 10 grants,” Ward wrote on Instagram. “…And an even bigger shocker to attend the concert and hear your business name being called out in a crowd of 40K people. It’s insane. It’s mind-boggling. It’s God.”

He continued, “Life has been ‘life-ing’ HARD these past few months but this weekend was a God and Gladys-sent gift from above. I know this is the start of something larger and greater that God has in store. I hope you all join me on this ride as we keep going up from here. So honored. So grateful. So blessed.”

 

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The news appears to be divine timing. WBEZ Chicago reports Ward faced financial hardships in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the founder to consider ceasing operations. Additionally, he felt out of place in comparison to his competitors in the market.

That has changed after receiving a stamp of approval from the BeyGOOD Foundation.

“When they called my name, I just felt an overwhelming sense of validation,” Ward said. “To be seen for my work to be given this exposure has re-lit a fire under me to keep going. This journey isn’t isn’t done yet. It’s a reminder that there’s still so much in store for me.”