Troy business owner named woman-owned small business owner of the year

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Upstate New York District Office named Denise Padula, owner of Alchar Printing in Troy, the 2024 Woman Owned Small Business Owner of the Year. The SBA made the announcement on Thursday.

According to a release from the SBA, Padula started her career with Alchar Printing 39 years ago, purchased majority ownership in 2000, and attained 100% ownership of the business in 2006. She's worked to improve manufacturing efficiencies, cost models, business profitability, financial sustainability, and identifying new markets.

“It is an incredible honor to receive the 2024 Upstate NY Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award and be recognized by the SBA, who serves as the leader in advocacy for small business concerns," said Padula. "I did not do this alone: I have had the privilege of learning from my predecessors Jack and Tom and working with the amazing Alchar Printing team for decades, whose continued success is the result of the group’s willingness to advance with the technology and work together to provide the best print product for our customers. I am incredibly grateful for the additional support from Kate Baker (U. Albany SBDC Director) along with the SBDC, and my community friends and partners. They have inspired me to continue advocacy for small business and empowered me to advance the company.”