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 challenging. We struggled to regain our full clientele. The pandemic brought financial and emotional changes to everyone’s lives, and our clients focused on their essential needs,” Ithier shared.

Sacred Alchemy Healing Spa, known for offering spiritual services in Kissimmee since 2015, faced major hurdles during the pandemic. In 2021, Ithier was granted COVID relief funds, which were crucial for keeping the business going.

“Without that grant, my business wouldn’t have survived. It gave me the opportunity to remarket and devise strategies to promote my services under current circumstances, effectively saving my business,” Ithier explained.

Now, Kissimmee is offering another relief grant to small businesses still feeling the pandemic’s impact.

Businesses eligible for assistance include those that experienced a revenue drop from 2020 to 2023 compared to 2019, faced higher operating costs, like rent or insurance, or carried pandemic-related debt impacting their 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.