When the COVID-19 pandemic hit five years ago, businesses had to adapt quickly. Many were forced to go online, while others saw their income drop dramatically. They fought to support their employees during tough times.
Let’s look at three businesses in the Chicago area: a pet sitting service, a mental health practice, and a health information startup. They show how companies continue to face challenges as they recover.
A recent survey by MetLife and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce revealed that 35% of small business owners see revenue as their biggest challenge heading into 2025—the highest in four years. Only 29% are optimistic about the nation’s economic situation, while just 37% feel good about their local economies. Tom Sullivan from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted that rising costs and ongoing uncertainty are stifling small business growth.
Chicago Pet Sitters
Founded in 2005, Chicago Pet Sitters provides dog walking and pet care around the city. The pandemic hurt their business badly. CEO Dan Moranville recalls losing about two-thirds of their daily dog walking clients overnight when the lockdown started in March 2020. To support staff who were suddenly out of work, they raised $15,000 through a client campaign.
2020 was a quiet year, but they adapted by offering more cat sitting services. Business picked up in 2021 and boomed in 2022, as many clients went on long trips—something referred to as “revenge travel.” Now, their demand aligns with holidays and vacation times. While some people still want regular dog walking during workdays, many have shifted to hybrid work schedules. Currently, they have around 25 employees, the same as pre-COVID, but their revenue remains about 60-65% of what it was before the pandemic.
Couch Clarity
Couch Clarity is a mental health practice founded in 2012, offering therapy and workshops. With the pandemic, they began offering telehealth services, a significant shift since virtual therapy wasn’t previously allowed in Illinois. Now, about 85% of their sessions are in-person, which many clients prefer.
During the pandemic, demand for therapy surged. Melissa Bercier, the founder, noted that the mental health crisis was widespread, affecting people of all ages. This competition in the mental health field has led to innovations, like employer-based therapy programs. Couch Clarity has grown from 14 to 17 employees, but their revenue in 2024 was slightly lower than in 2021.
Bercier wishes for improved insurance reimbursements for mental health services. Despite society’s growing awareness of mental health importance, many therapists earn less than their counterparts in other healthcare fields.
Tell Health
Founded in 2019, Tell Health aimed to combat COVID-19 misinformation, spearheaded by Dr. Alan Gaffney and Nikola Nestorov. Initially a social media platform for medical experts, they discussed COVID-19 and long COVID-19. As interest in the virus declined by mid-2023, they shifted focus to broader health topics, including women’s health issues.
Funding issues became a challenge following 2023 as interest rates rose. The company went from about 12 employees in 2022 to just three now. However, they remain innovative, using artificial intelligence to develop a “digital doctor.” They plan to host webinars to expand their audience and meet the growing need for reliable health information.
While these businesses reflect resilience and adaptability, the struggle for small companies remains real. Understanding these shifts in circumstances can help us recognize the importance of support systems and community engagement for local businesses.
For more insights on the state of small businesses, you can visit MetLife’s Small Business Index.
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