Pasta with Purpose: SOFII Backs Chickapea’s Vision for a Better Future

July 22, 2025

Canadian-Made, Purpose-Driven: Chickapea’s Mission to Make Healthy Eating Simple and Sustainable

We are thrilled to announce that Chickapea, an innovative women-owned food company based in Collingwood, Ontario, has secured funding through the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII), delivered by Community Futures Western Ontario. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our commitment to supporting forward-thinking ventures like Chickapea. Chickapea is dedicated to serving the Canadian market with organic pasta and nutritious One Pot Meals.

Making a Positive Impact:

Founded by Shelby Taylor in 2016, Chickapea has built a strong reputation for its gluten-free, high-protein pasta made from chickpeas and yellow peas. Driven by a passion for good food and positive impact, Chickapea is a force for good, making healthy food craveable, simple, accessible, and sustainable. As a Certified B Corporation, Chickapea is held to the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Social good is at the heart of everything they do, from using environmentally friendly packaging to supporting local food banks. At Chickapea, they strive to make every bite count.

Shelby Taylor, Founder and CEO of Chickapea Pasta, shared her thoughts on this milestone:

“SOFII funding has been critical to Chickapea’s success, funding growth opportunities and important new hires. It is friendly funding with fair rates and a speedy application process. I am so thankful to have discovered SOFII and for their commitment to supporting entrepreneurship.”

The SOFII funding will support continued investment in Chickapea’s research and development and team growth, empowering the company to enhance its capabilities and pursue further expansion.

The Impact of SOFII: Supporting Innovation in Southern Ontario:

SOFII is proud to champion innovative companies like Chickapea, whose bold ideas are strengthening the global competitiveness of Southern Ontario’s food sector. As a vital source of flexible, non-dilutive funding, SOFII empowers high-potential businesses to grow without sacrificing equity. This support allows entrepreneurs to stay true to their long-term vision while maintaining full ownership and control of their operations.

“The SOFII loan allowed us to bridge the gap in funding without slowing the brand’s growth. I am so thankful this program exists!” Shelby Taylor, Founder and CEO

Committed to strengthening the region’s economy and job market, SOFII invests in innovative and high-growth businesses just like Chickapea to ensure Southern Ontario remains a leader in forward-thinking, sustainable practices.

With SOFII’s support, Chickapea is well-positioned for a bright future—expanding its business, creating meaningful jobs, and continuing to deliver food that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. By using only clean, wholesome ingredients and prioritizing plant-based protein, Chickapea is helping to reduce environmental impact while making healthy, sustainable eating more accessible to everyone. Guided by a belief that business can be a force for good, Chickapea is constantly innovating to offer better products and to be a better company.

For more information on Chickapea and to follow their continued success, visit their website and follow them on social media.

Website: https://chickapea.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chickapeapasta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chickapeapasta/

About SOFII: Empowering Innovation and Growth

SOFII is proud to fuel innovation and drive growth for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across both urban and rural communities in southern Ontario. Through our program, eligible businesses can access interest-bearing loans ranging from $150,000 to $500,000, with the potential for additional funding in exceptional cases. Launched in July 2012 by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, SOFII is delivered in southwestern Ontario by Community Futures Western Ontario, helping ambitious businesses turn bold ideas into lasting success.