Highland Animal Hospital Named as 2023 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year in Upstate New York
SBA Upstate New York District Director Bernard J. Paprocki presented the award at Highland Animal Hospital as part of National Small Business Week. They were joined by Oswego County Administrator Phil Church and Oswego County Chair Jim Weatherup in Central Square.
Alex Hawthorn was selected as SBA’s Woman-Owned Business of the Year for strategically growing her practice, Highland Animal Hospital, since purchasing it in 2019 and expanding to a new, state-of-the-art building this summer. With her commitment to top-notch care for clients and staff alike, Hawthorn led her team through uncertain times, high stress and increased demand during the pandemic without losing a single employee. Hawthorn also has a passion for shelter medicine, and she works with many local animal rescues to provide discounted veterinary care and surgical services weekly.
An Oswego native, Hawthorn received an SBA 7(a) loan from TD Bank in 2022 to construct a new 7,200 square foot facility on a property abutting existing operations, which is currently 3,000 square feet. She designed the building with the needs of her patients and staff at the forefront, preparing to double her staff and fill a critical urgent care gap for Central New York’s pets this summer.
"Helping and healing animals is tremendously rewarding. We are excited to expand our services to our surrounding community,” said Hawthorn. “It has been such a pleasure working in the Central New York area over the last four years. We are fortunate to have the most wonderful patients and clients, and we can’t wait to continue these relationships for many years to come!"
In the few years since Hawthorn has taken over the practice, Highland Animal Hospital has already increased its client load 50 percent, doubled sales revenue, added five new staff members, rebranded and modernized equipment.
SBA Upstate New York District Director Bernard J. Paprocki commended Hawthorn for her small business success and dedication to her community. “Dr. Hawthorn has shown how SBA services and lenders can support entrepreneurs like her who save lives every day. It’s clear that Dr. Hawthorn’s dedication to animals extends to her staff and her community, and we can’t wait to see what she does next,” he said.
Upstate New York’s 2023 Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award was selected from nominees across the district’s 34 counties as part of National Small Business Week, held this year from April 30 through May 6. SBA Upstate New York provides small business owners with access to business counseling, capital, federal contracting programs and disaster assistance.
