KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Kissimmee is offering relief grants to small businesses still struggling to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So, we’re all about metaphysical healing, energy healing,” Ithier said.
Michelle Ithier, owner of Sacred Alchemy Healing Spa, said it has been hard to rebuild her business to pre-pandemic levels.
“It was very hard. We couldn’t really regain the full clientele. Life changed for everyone financially and emotionally. It was basically the essential things that they needed,” Ithier said.
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Since 2015, Sacred Alchemy Healing Spa has provided spiritual services in Kissimmee. However, the pandemic caused significant challenges for the business. Ithier received a COVID relief grant in 2021 that helped her stay afloat.
“If it wasn’t for that grant, I wouldn’t have survived. I was able to remarket and try to strategically figure out how to promote my business from where we were at now, so that grant saved me,” she said.
Now, Kissimmee is offering another relief grant to small businesses still feeling the pandemic’s impact.
Eligible businesses include those that saw a decrease in revenue between 2020 and 2023 compared to 2019, those that have had increased operating costs, such as rent, insurance and inventory, as well as those with pandemic-related debt affecting cash flow.
“It’s a blessing because it’s very difficult, it’s very difficult. A lot of us have not recuperated yet,” Ithier said.
Applications for the relief grants are open. To apply, click here.