3 small businesses awarded $5K micro loans to help revitalize Panama City's Glenwood

PANAMA CITY — After their home was left in shambles by Hurricane Michael, Cris Banks was forced to work on repairing his family's house from a distance.  

“It left me with my house destroyed. I moved to Fort Walton, where I tried to come up with something,” Banks said. “That’s what led me to start my own business.” 

A nod to the family name and his wife, Kim, and their three children, B5 Quality Services Inc. was recently awarded a $5,000 micro loan through the Corner Stone Trust, a joint project led by Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and the LEAD Coalition of Bay County. 

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According to a news release announcing a presentation to award the three small business recipients, businesses had to complete a free four-hour workshop on the fundamentals of business and submit business plans.  

The mission of the trust is to “revitalize Glenwood by loaning funds to entrepreneurs who are committed to providing services, products and resources to meet the identified needs for community growth and development,” the news release stated.  

LEAD Executive Director Janice Lucas said revitalization happens when opportunity and support meets resources.  

“We believe these things can be made possible through business development, coaching and training, loan opportunity and monitoring, evaluation and support,” she said in the release. 

Josiah’s Southern Kitchen, owned by Sharolyn Gaines, and Darko’s Delish, owned by Michelle Darko, also received loans. To date, the trust has awarded $20,000 in micro loans to minority small businesses, including one last fall to Gnae’s Sweet Treats at 2510 Sarasota Lane. 

Banks, who was able to move his family back into their home about a year ago, used the loan to purchase a new Kubota riding mower. The purchase is a continued reminder that the local community cares. 

“It really meant a lot because me and my wife do a lot in the community, with the kids in the community,” he said. “It just felt good that the community saw fit to help us out.” 

B5 Quality Services Inc. specializes in lawn care. Like the company's Facebook page or call owner Cris Banks at 850-867-7077.