Queensland company Little Change Creators has won the retail sole operator category at the recent 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.
The program celebrates and recognises the achievements of small business operators across the country in retail, hospitality, services and manufacturing. The awards were announced at The Star Sydney last month.
For Little Change Creators founder Paige McInnes, the win means the world to her as a business owner and as a mum.
“I started Little Change Creators with a simple but powerful vision—to create products that inspire creativity and connection, while also contributing to a better future for people and the planet,” she explains.
“To be recognised on a national stage by the Australian Small Business Champion Awards is incredibly validating. It’s a proud moment that honours the years of hard work, heart and hustle I’ve poured into the business, often while juggling bedtime routines and school runs.
“For Little Change Creators, the award cements our place as a serious player in the gift and toy industry. It signals to retailers, customers and partners that our small brand is making a big impact through ethical production, thoughtful design and social responsibility.”
Every item created is intentionally designed to spark imagination, reduce waste and support families with meaningful, sustainable play. Unlike mass-produced toys that quickly lose their shine, the brand’s reusable colouring sets and art kits are made to last, love and pass down, adds McInnes.
“We work with Australian producers, use eco-conscious materials and partner with disability enterprises to assemble our products, so the impact stretches far beyond playtime.
“At our core, we’re about making it easy for parents to choose better: better for their kids, better for the planet and better for the future. That combination of heart, quality and impact really resonates with today’s conscious consumer and I think the judges saw that too.”
Indeed, Steve Loe, founder of the awards shared his admiration for this year’s finalists and winners.
“Operating a small business today requires steadfast commitment, leadership, savviness, creativity, people skills, vison, social consciousness and a spirited drive—all elements of success that our independent judging panel pinpointed among the key reasons for their selection of Little Change Creators as the 2025 champion of the retail sole operator category,” he says.
McInnes adds she’ll continue to ‘champion’ high-quality, screen-free play this year that brings joy to families and creates real-world impact.
“This year, we’re focused on deepening connections with our community, our stockists and our mission.
“We’re excited to return to Reed Gift Fairs in August, where we’ll be showcasing our award-winning range and maybe even unveiling a surprise or two for our loyal and soon-to-be stockists. We love keeping things fresh and fun, so let’s just say a few creative sparks are flying behind the scenes,” she laughs.
“Most importantly, we’re staying true to what matters: thoughtful design, sustainable materials and making it easier for parents and gift-givers to choose better—for kids and for the planet.”
