In 2020, BeyGOOD introduced the Black Parade Route as an initiative to support Black-owned small businesses that were challenged by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts assisted more than 900 businesses globally. To continue the initiative, BeyGOOD launched the Black Parade Route: Small Business Impact Fund in 2023, awarding a total of $1 million in relief grants to more than 100 small businesses across the following global markets: Lagos, São Paulo, London, Los Angeles, Charlotte, New York, Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, and Chicago.

To announce the grant recipients in each city, BeyGOOD held Black Parade Route Small Business luncheons celebrating small business owners and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. Guest speakers included Mathew Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Tyler Perry, alongside captivating performances by Michelle Williams, Luke James, and Teeks, among others.

“For years, small businesses, especially black owned businesses, have been the backbone for communities. You help to strengthen local economies, create job opportunities, close the racial wealth gap, and celebrate diverse cultures. When small businesses flourish, so do our communities," said Former First Lady Michelle Obama in a letter to the Chicago luncheon attendees.

Black Parade Route Recipients:

Black Parade Route Recipient Spotlight: Yasmin Christe owner of You Go Girl Thrift Store

“We are currently running two thrift stores in Brazil...the support from BeyGOOD had a deeply positive impact on our journey. It allowed us to invest entirely in the growth of funding, the foundation helped facilitate  connections to other programs that resulted in further learning and support,” Christe said.