Anavah Institute LLC | Application Preview
Anavah Institute LLC, a holistic health practice based in Northeastern Ohio, is seeking a $120,000 government grant to overcome critical operational limitations and expand its services. Founded by a dual-degreed professional in psychiatry and exercise physiology, the Institute integrates mental health care, nutrition counseling, and physical wellness into a comprehensive therapeutic model aimed at long-term lifestyle change.
Currently, legal and financial barriers prevent the founder from practicing at full clinical capacity. Without a mandated collaborative agreement with a supervising physician, the founder is limited to coaching services, forgoing the use of their psychiatric credentials and insurance billing capabilities—including Medicaid and Medicare. Additionally, the business lacks the technology, infrastructure, and staff needed to operate efficiently or scale.
Grant funding would strategically be used across seven key areas: legal compliance and insurance, operational technology like Electronic Health Records (EHR), staffing, necessary office equipment, continuing professional certification, marketing and outreach, and a safety reserve for growth. The proposed investments are intended to transition the Institute from a founder-dependent model to a sustainable, community-serving health provider, especially targeting underinsured and underserved populations.
The five-year roadmap includes: achieving legal and operational legitimacy (Year 1), optimizing systems and growing the client base (Year 2), expanding services and acquiring a physical therapy business (Year 3), developing new revenue streams and partnerships (Year 4), and becoming a regional leader in integrated care through training programs, outreach, and potential expansion (Year 5).
The founder’s holistic, prevention-first approach to mental health care—combined with the ability to accept insurance and serve Russian and Ukrainian speaking populations—differentiates Anavah from its competitors. The long-term objective is to create a model of care that moves beyond the traditional “sick care” system, toward one that empowers individuals to sustain their mental and physical health through education, accountability, and integrative treatment.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 5294820
Location: Akron, OH, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: Less than $100k
Annual Gross Expense: Less than $100k
Open to Loans: NO
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Funding Usage
Anavah Institute LLC is a growing private practice in Northeastern Ohio committed to transforming lives through a holistic model of care that integrates psychology, exercise science, and nutrition. Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve lasting physical and mental well-being by addressing the root causes of poor health and guiding sustainable lifestyle change. As the founder I have degrees in psychiatry and exercise physiology, allowing me toI bring a rare and powerful combination of clinical insight and physical health expertise. My goal is to serve clients by supporting not just their mental health, but their entire lifestyle; from mindset to movement to nutrition. Current Barriers to Growth: Despite my qualifications and passion, Anavah Institute faces operational limitations that hinder its ability to grow and serve the community at full capacity: I currently cannot afford a collaborative agreement with a physician, which is legally required in Ohio for the full scope of my practice. Due to this, I have not been practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, but simply as a non-certified life coach, which I ensure my clients understand. With a collaborative physician I would be able to use my NPI to bill insurances and serve those in need, such as those on government issued medicaid and medicare insurance programs. I have even become accredited to accept these insurances among others. In addition, I lack access to a professional Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, limiting clinical efficiency, security, and billing capabilities. Unfortunately, I have a very heavy student loan burden that eats up most of what I earn from my full-time job leaving me minimal capital to reinvest in tools, software, or staff. These constraints directly impact the quality of care I can provide and my ability to scale the business to sustainability. The employer I currently signed a two year contract for was accredited with HRSA to offer loan repayment, but under the current administration my employer lost this accreditation. Due to this I am working now just to pay off my student loans and have no money or time left over for personal or business development. How $120,000 Will Be Used Strategically: With an infusion of $120,000 in capital, I will position Anavah Institute to become profitable, scalable, and transformative for my clients and the community. 1. Legal & Clinical Infrastructure ($45,000) Collaborative physician contract: Secure legal supervision to meet Ohio’s practice requirements. Malpractice & business insurance: Protect both clients and the practice. Licensing, prescribing tools, and CEUs: Stay compliant, continue education, and expand services offered. 2. Operational Technology & Systems ($20,000) Purchase and implement a full-featured EHR and billing software to streamline scheduling, charting, compliance, and revenue collection. Medication interaction checkers and scribe software to enhance clinical efficiency and safety. Secure communication platforms for HIPAA-compliant telehealth and client engagement. 3. Staffing & Support ($25,000) Hire a medical secretary to manage front-office duties, client communication, and scheduling. Hire part-time support staff or contract professionals (e.g., registered dietitians or wellness coaches). Begin paying myself a small stipend to reduce burnout and replace time spent outside my full-time job. 4. Equipment & Physical Tools ($10,000) Purchase exercise tools, office furniture, and clinical tools for physical assessments and interventions. Healthy food supplies for nutrition education sessions and client engagement. Pay for office space rent, printing equipment, shredders, and secure filing systems. 5. Professional Growth & Certification ($10,000) Become a Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) to expand services, credibility, and outcomes. Invest in specialized training to strengthen my evidence-based approach to using movement as medicine. 6. Marketing, Community Events, and Outreach ($10,000) Build a professional website with SEO and scheduling functionality. Design promotional materials and host community wellness events that are free to the public but funded through vendor/speaker participation. Grow brand awareness and client base through strategic digital advertising and local outreach. 7. Safety Net & Growth Reserve ($10,000) Maintain working capital for unexpected costs, gradual expansion, or further investment in tools and personnel as client volume grows. Long-Term Impact & Goals: With this investment, Anavah Institute will become a sustainable, high-impact wellness practice that offers comprehensive services under one roof. I will be able to: -Legally and effectively deliver mental health care in compliance with Ohio regulations. -Empower clients with personalized plans that combine therapy, nutrition, and exercise. -Build a financially viable business model through subscriptions, session fees, partnerships, and educational services. -Reach underserved populations through free community events and low-barrier entry points. -My ultimate goal is to help people feel happier, healthier, and more in control of their lives by addressing the psychological, physical, and nutritional factors that contribute to lasting change.
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Business Plan
YEAR 1: Foundation & Legitimization (2025–2026) Theme: Establish & Stabilize Goals: Become fully legally and clinically operational. Build brand awareness and early client base. Lay groundwork for sustainable operations. Key Actions: Secure collaborative agreement with a physician and malpractice/business insurance. Implement EHR and billing systems. Hire a part-time medical secretary. Finalize certification as a Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM). Launch full suite of services (mental health, lifestyle coaching, exercise, and nutrition). Establish a monthly subscription model and per-session pricing structure. Launch a professional website, branding materials, and basic marketing strategy. Host 1–2 free community events to increase visibility and goodwill. Metrics: 20–40 active clients/month. Break even or small monthly profit by Q4. 1 part-time employee + founder. YEAR 2: Optimization & Consistency (2026–2027) Theme: Grow Smart Goals: Increase client base and revenue. Refine service delivery. Begin building local partnerships. Key Actions: Streamline intake and follow-up processes using EHR. Track outcome measures (e.g., client satisfaction, symptom improvement). Formalize service packages for individuals and small groups. Develop 2–3 partnerships (e.g., gyms, small businesses, wellness brands). Offer 1–2 corporate wellness contracts or workplace speaking engagements per quarter. Introduce client referral program. Begin collecting testimonials and outcome data. Metrics: 60–80 active clients/month. Revenue increases by 25–40% from Year 1. 2–3 part-time staff, including admin or wellness coach. YEAR 3: Expansion of Services & Community Presence (2027–2028) Theme: Scale the Impact Goals:Expand capacity and reach new demographics. Build thought leadership locally. Increase recurring revenue. Key Actions: Launch small group programs (e.g., “8-Week Lifestyle Reset,” “Mind & Motion Bootcamp”). Purchase a physical therapy business I have been volunteering at for the past 6 years that works with developmentally disabled individuals. This will allow me to start providing not just psychiatric care but physical therapy, both of which will be reimbursed by insurances. Host quarterly public wellness events with local vendors/speakers. Apply for wellness grants or local contracts (e.g., schools, nonprofits). Metrics: 100+ active clients/month. 30–40% of revenue from recurring subscriptions. $200,000+ in annual revenue. Staff of 3–5, including additional clinician(s). YEAR 4: Diversification & Regional Reputation (2028–2029) Theme: Multiply Goals:Expand geographically or digitally. Build multiple revenue streams. Increase profit margins. Key Actions: Offer telehealth or remote coaching across Ohio. Offer services not covered by insurances but that are known to improve health and longevity, such as myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, offer comprehensive metabolic testing, cryogenic therapy, gut-microbiome testing. Apply to conduct joint research with the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital Systems. Metrics: Revenue from 4+ sources: services, digital products, events, partnerships. Team of 5–8, including part-time specialists. Positive cash flow and 20–30% profit margin. YEAR 5: Authority & Legacy (2029–2030) Theme: Lead & Teach Goals: Establish Anavah as a regional leader in integrative wellness. Key Actions: Develop intern or training program for exercise science and psychology students at my alma mater, John Carroll University. Create and publish a wellness outcomes report (data-based credibility). Offer speaking at regional conferences or health summits. Expand physical space or open a second location. Consider licensing curriculum, or mentoring other wellness professionals. Metrics: 200+ active clients/month or multiple locations serving unique communities. Revenue > $400,000 annually. Recognized locally as a top wellness provider. During my undergraduate studies, I had the unique opportunity to design my own course of study, combining exercise science, nutrition, psychology, and entrepreneurship into a comprehensive, interdisciplinary degree. My curiosity about the human body and experience led me to explore these fields individually, but it was through integrating them that I truly came to understand how deeply connected the body and mind are. I take a holistic approach to care, which is what drew me to psychiatry, an area of medicine that I believe urgently needs more integrative practices. Many psychiatric medications carry metabolic side effects that can severely impact quality of life. While they’re sometimes necessary, I’m passionate about exploring alternative first-line treatments, such as therapeutic nutrition and exercise, before turning to medication. Although I currently practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, this is not my final destination. I’m driven to create a new way of not only treating my patients, but empowering them to have a lifestyle and mindset so healthy and strong that it prevents them from getting sick in the first place. Anavah Institute is my way of making this dream a reality. There is a growing need for providers like me, ones that are truly passionate and knowledgeable about health and wellness. I have transformed my own life and see it as my mission to help others do the same. I will succeed, not because I am any more talented, but because I am driven by the right reasons.
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Self Identified Competition
I’m genuinely grateful to have so many competitors in the holistic health and psychiatric space, as to me, competition in this field is a sign that more people are waking up to the need for a better approach to care. In fact, I hope to see even more providers entering this space. Each of my competitors offers an opportunity to learn and I have been doing just that. With the little free time I have, I’ve interviewed and gathered feedback from my competitors and their founders. I have also interviewed at least 10 individuals who have received care from each of my competitors. Through these conversations, I’ve gained valuable insight into both what these practices are doing well and the challenges they face. This knowledge isn’t just helping me build Anavah, it is shaping my vision for a collaborative, community-based network of holistic and integrative medical practices. My goal has never been to become wealthy, but rather to help shift the landscape of medicine from a reactive, "sick care" model to one focused on prevention, wellness, and whole-person healing. I believe that true transformation happens when we collaborate, not compete, and I hope to work alongside my peers to help them recognize the immense value of offering integrative, holistic care. Together, we can build a system that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. Top Competitors in Holistic Health & Psychiatry Regenerative SelfCare & Wellness (Fairlawn, OH) Offers a range of services including mindset counseling, massage therapy, psychological services, and personal training. Tranquility Holistic Health & Wellness (Akron, OH) Provides emotional counseling, massage therapy, Reiki, and other holistic treatments. Forum Health Akron (Akron, OH) Services: Specializes in functional medicine, hormone therapy, and integrative care. Integrative Psychological Health (North Olmsted, OH) Offers evidence-based psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and a range of therapeutic modalities. Summit Psychological Associates (Akron, OH) Provides mental health and substance use disorder treatments, including therapy and case management. Truly Heal Wellness (Akron, OH) Offers therapeutic massage, bodywork, personal training, and holistic healing modalities. Conscious Wellness (Fairlawn, OH) Offers chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, Reiki, and natural products. Family Holistic Health (Cuyahoga Falls, OH) Provides integrative medical practice combining alternative, complementary, and conventional medicine. I am able and willing to serve patients who are not able to pay for these services out of pocket. I am happy to serve individuals with insurance coverage and am therefore able to serve a larger customer segment. In addition, I am bilingual and able to serve many Russian and Ukrainian speakers, many of whom have settled in Parma, Ohio. As these practices are all amazing in their own right, Anavah will stand out for its unique approach to psychiatric care. Anavah is Hebrew for "humble", and the slogan of the company is "Take radical responsibility for your life." My practice is one that will not only provide a safe environment for individuals to be vulnerable, but will give them the tools necessary to turn their vulnerability into strength and resilience. I will help my clients increase their stress tolerance and empower them to live happier, healthier lives.
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