Turning dreams into reality with a startup loan

Company: Piragua Colombian Specialty Store
Industry: Food & Beverage / Retail
Location: Toronto
Problem:
After multiple bank rejections, Nicolás struggled to secure the funding needed to launch his business.
Solution:
With Swoop’s expertise, strong lender relationships, and hands-on support, Nicolás secured the necessary funding in less than a month.
Results: Today, Nicolás’ dream is a reality. Piragua’s vibrant yellow storefront lights up the streets of Toronto, sharing the rich flavors and culture of Colombia with the community.

Nicolás Prada opened Piragua Colombian Specialty Store to share his culture and cuisine with the community. Offering homemade Colombian dishes, retail goods, and 100% Colombian coffee, his goal was to provide a taste of Colombia.

After facing rejections from banks, Nicolás turned to Swoop for funding. “Swoop made my dream possible when the banks said no,” he says. With Swoop’s quick and easy loan process, he was able to open Piragua. The process was smooth and fast, with Swoop’s team providing ongoing support and guidance.

“In less than a month, I got the loan,” Nicolás says, praising the speed and ease of working with Swoop. Thanks to the funding, Piragua is thriving, and Nicolás is gearing up to grow the brand.

Ready to grow your business?

Get started

Clever finance tips and the latest news

Delivered to your inbox monthly

Join the 95,000+ businesses just like yours getting the Swoop newsletter.

Free. No spam. Opt out whenever you like.

We work with world class partners to help us support businesses with finance

Our offices:

Disclaimer: Swoop Finance helps UK firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. We are a credit broker and do not provide loans or other finance products ourselves. We can introduce you to a panel of lenders, equity funds and grant agencies. Whichever lender you choose we may receive commission from them (either a fixed fee of fixed % of the amount you receive) and different lenders pay different rates. For certain lenders, we do have influence over the interest rate, and this can impact the amount you pay under the agreement. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Swoop Finance can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants’ circumstances and creditworthiness. Swoop Finance Limited is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority as an Account Information Services Provider (reference number 833145). Swoop Finance Limited is authorised as a credit broker under FCA registration number 936513. If you feel you have a complaint, please read our complaints section highlighted above and also contained within our terms and conditions. Swoop Finance Ltd is registered with Companies House (company number 11163382, registered address The Stable Yard, Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1BN). VAT number: 300080279

© Swoop 2025

Looks like you're in . Go to our site to find relevant products for your country. Go to Swoop