New book celebrates stories of resilience in Australian small business

A new book by author Matthew Manahan, published by Precedent Productions, shares the personal stories of more than 100 small business owners from across Australia.

'Champions: The Legacy That Shaped Small Business for a Nation' explores the diverse experiences of Australian entrepreneurs, shining a light on both their successes and challenges.

Stories at the heart

The book centres around Steve Loe, founder of the Australian Small Business Champion Awards, whose own journey in small business began while working at his family's corner store in Enfield. Over the last four decades, Loe has dedicated his efforts towards recognising and supporting small businesses nationally.

"Small business isn't small at all," says author Matthew Manahan. "It's the beating heart of Australia, and this book is living proof."

Intended initially as a sponsorship resource to present to corporations, the project soon evolved beyond its original scope, becoming a substantial record of the efforts and achievements within the small business community.

Project's evolution

Steve Loe's idea began as a tool to engage sponsors by showcasing the aims and reach of the Australian Small Business Champion Awards. However, the process developed into a comprehensive, three-year undertaking.

"As they say in Toy Story, you can't rush art," Manahan says. "It's grown from a sponsorship prop into a true legacy piece."

The completed work is a 403-page, large-format publication. It presents stories from all regions of the country, highlighting a variety of enterprises, such as a dyslexic boy's journey to becoming a teenage entrepreneur through his childhood candy business. These accounts have been curated to engage readers emotionally while providing insight into the realities of life as a small business owner.

"I just want to share these stories with people who don't really understand small business," Loe says. "We're the ones keeping this country moving."

Awards recognition

The book draws substantial inspiration from the Australian Small Business Champion Awards, which Steve Loe refers to as "the Oscars for small business". The awards, which commenced in 1999, now span over 100 categories and are presented with dramatic production values.

Recipients of the awards are recognised in large ceremonies, with many winners displaying their custom-designed trophies on their online platforms.

"We want a winner's name announced in front of a huge applause, giving them confidence they can take back to their business."

Loe recalls the impact of the awards on participants, stating that the recognition is sometimes transformative.

"A lady once told me, 'You're the cause of my success.' She said winning the award changed not only her business, but her life," Loe recalls.

Insights and anecdotes

In his first book, Manahan conducted interviews with award recipients from a range of sectors, documenting examples of resilience, creativity and a commitment to community values. He was intentional in ensuring the narrative remained personal, steering away from a corporate approach.

"I didn't want to write a corporate book. I wanted a legacy piece with heart. You can pick it up any Sunday morning, turn to any page, and be inspired," he says.

Memorable anecdotes are included, such as the event attended by former Prime Minister John Howard, which drew significant attention, and a story about transforming the Sydney Fish Market auction floor into a formal ballroom. Loe reportedly disposed of his suit afterwards due to the lasting scent of seafood.

Context and purpose

The publication of 'Champions' arrives as Australian small businesses continue to contend with economic uncertainty. The book aims to serve as a partial historical account, a source of celebration, and a call for ongoing local support.

"Small business people are opening their shops before sunrise, employing locals and giving back to their communities," Loe says. "They deserve a national platform, and this book continues that mission."

'Champions: The Legacy That Shaped Small Business for a Nation' is available through major book retailers.