Billy Stitch Distillery Triumphs at the 2024 Australian Small Business Champions Awards
The 2024 Australian Small Business Champions Awards marked a significant milestone for Billy Stitch Distillery, as they were honored with the prestigious title of ‘Best New Retail Business’. This achievement is remarkable, especially considering the distillery's first 12 months of operation, a testament to the determination and vision of founders Dave and Steph.
The Australian Small Business Champions Awards, held annually, aim to celebrate the hard work and dedication of small businesses across the country. It provides a platform to recognize the entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. This year’s event saw a record-breaking 5,500 submissions from small businesses across the nation, from bustling city hubs to remote rural, regional, and suburban towns. According to Steve Loe, the Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, the organization behind the Awards, this year’s submission count was the highest ever since the Awards' inception in 1999. “This year’s Awards saw a record 5,500 small business submissions from cities as well as rural, regional, and suburban towns in every Australian state and territory. This is more than we’ve ever seen since our launch year in 1999,” Loe remarked. This influx of entries highlights the increasing number of passionate entrepreneurs across the country who continue to forge ahead despite the challenges they face.
For Billy Stitch Distillery, the recognition as ‘Best New Retail Business’ is a monumental achievement, especially given the hurdles faced by many startups today. In a rapidly changing and often unpredictable economic climate, new businesses are required to be resilient, agile, and innovative. Dave and Steph were not immune to the pressures that come with launching a new venture, but their commitment to quality, community, and sustainability has paid off.
The distillery’s journey began in February 2023, launching its first batch of small-batch, grape-based gins. From the outset, the distillery set out to create a product that would stand out in an increasingly competitive market. The bold, vibrant packaging and distinctive flavours quickly gained attention from consumers and retailers alike. Billy Stitch’s products are now sold in over 200 locations across Australia, a remarkable achievement within such a short time frame.
However, starting a business in today’s economic climate is no easy feat. Many entrepreneurs find themselves navigating a landscape fraught with challenges, from rising operational costs to fluctuating consumer demand and supply chain disruptions. For small businesses, the road to success is often paved with uncertainty, and it’s easy for even the most well-prepared ventures to stumble. Despite these obstacles, Billy Stitch has continued to thrive, thanks to Dave and Steph’s unwavering dedication to their mission.
Supporting local brands is crucial to the economic growth of any country, and in Australia, it’s even more vital in today’s climate. With global supply chains often disrupted and uncertainty around international trade, buying local helps to strengthen the national economy, create jobs, and foster innovation. Billy Stitch Distillery exemplifies this ethos by not only producing a product that’s proudly Australian but also by supporting local businesses through partnerships and collaborations. For example, the distillery has forged relationships with Australian grape growers, further embedding itself in the fabric of the nation’s agricultural community.
In addition to their commitment to local sourcing and sustainability, Billy Stitch Distillery has also made an effort to give back to the community. A key part of their mission is supporting education and economic development in Cambodia, specifically in the town of Promar. Through their partnership with the Soun family, Dave and Steph have helped provide educational opportunities for children in this rural community. Their contributions have made it possible for children to attend school and pursue their dreams, something that many in the community would not have had access to otherwise.
As the distillery looks to the future, Dave and Steph are excited to continue growing their business and expanding their reach across Australia. The recognition they received at the Australian Small Business Champions Awards is a testament to the hard work and determination they have poured into the business. The win is not just a celebration of their achievements but also a reflection of the importance of supporting small, local businesses that contribute to the fabric of Australian society.
The 2024 Australian Small Business Champions Awards served as a reminder of the importance of community, innovation, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Billy Stitch Distillery’s win is a shining example of what’s possible when passionate entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to thrive. Their success story proves that even in the most challenging of times, small businesses can grow, innovate, and make a significant impact on their communities.
As more and more Australians turn to local brands for their products and services, the future for small businesses looks brighter than ever. Supporting local businesses like Billy Stitch Distillery is not only a way to ensure the growth of the economy but also a way to celebrate the heart and soul of Australian entrepreneurship.
