Many cities and municipalities are facing challenging business environments post covid crisis.

The Irmo Future Growth Corporation is a 501©(3) non-profit, created to help businesses adversely affected by the pandemic.

The result is the creation of a $250,000 loan program to provide relief, hire more staff, and grow with the future economic expansion.

The initial funding was approved by the Irmo Town Council. The application process along with required forms have been made available on the town’s website www. townofirmosc.com .

Mayor Barry Walker said, “The Town of Irmo operates without a millage. Our business community success is crucial to the growth of our town.

“To offer this assistance after the year we just had is vital for the success of the business community.”

The loan program is available to fund loans of up to $10,000 for qualifying businesses. Criteria can be found on the website.

Business owner vaccinates workers

Last week, Bentley Pontoons in collaboration with My Pharmacy and Optical of Lexington helped in administering covid-19 vaccinations to its employees.

“Nothing is more important than our employee’s safety and we wanted to do what we could to quickly get our team vaccinated,” said Bentley Pontoons President Ryan Marcott.

Dave Hagen, the plant manager, made sure vaccinations were done in a timely fashion at the plant. “We wanted to take a leadership role in keeping our employees safe and healthy.”

Employee Christian Alugo had family members who got covid-19 and survived. “After seeing the effects on my family, I decided it was in my best interest to protect not only myself, but my wife as well as my 2-year old son.

“I’m really thankful that Bentley has offered this to us.”

Cookie monsters delight

Krystina Pellerano owner of Mingos Cookies invites you to visit her store, located at 5580 Sunset Blvd-Suite D, Lexington.

Visit the website at www.mingoscookies.com .

There are many options to sample. The store is located beside The Happy Butcher.