Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Okanagan Pasta Company Inc. was born out of resilience and a deep love for pasta. After losing a job in the culinary industry and wanting to avoid returning to its fragility, we decided to channel our skills and passion into something more stable and fulfilling. Pasta has always been a staple in our household and my wife’s favorite food, inspiring us to make small batches to perfect our craft. This hobby quickly turned into a thriving business, dedicated to bringing the finest artisanal pasta to our community. By using locally sourced ingredients and traditional Italian techniques, we ensure every product embodies our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the joy of home-cooked meals.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

At Okanagan Pasta Company, community support is at the heart of our mission. We are deeply committed to fostering strong relationships within our local area. We actively collaborate with local farmers to source the freshest ingredients, ensuring that our products not only taste exceptional but also support local agriculture. Additionally, we participate in community events and farmers’ markets, providing an opportunity for residents to connect with us and learn about our artisanal pasta-making process. We also contribute to local charities and food banks, helping to ensure that everyone in our community has access to nutritious meals. Through these efforts, we strive to strengthen our community and share the love of good food with our neighbors.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Okanagan Pasta Company, deserves to win because we built this company from the ground up with minimal savings, driven by passion and perseverance. We have worked tirelessly day and night while raising a family, dedicating ourselves to creating a joyful workplace and a business that our local community loves and trusts. Our goal has always been to provide high-quality, artisanal pasta at competitive prices, ensuring sustainability in every step of our process. Winning this recognition would validate our hard work and commitment to bringing joy and trust to our community through our beloved pasta.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Okanagan Pasta Company, our employees are the most important and valuable part of our organization. We are committed to maintaining a supportive and sustainable workplace by offering fair wages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Our team thrives in an environment that values collaboration, respect, and a shared passion for excellence in pasta making. Equally vital to our success are the great vendors who provide the high-quality ingredients we use. We have established strong, transparent relationships with local farmers and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and quality. By sourcing locally, we reduce our environmental footprint and support the local economy. Through these efforts, Okanagan Pasta Company Inc. ensures that our products are not only delicious but also crafted with integrity and responsibility, benefiting both our community and the environment.