Running a business in a remote or northern Canadian community comes with unique challenges, from limited supplier access to unpredictable transportation and higher costs. Whether you're managing a hotel in Whitehorse or a senior living facility in Iqaluit, procurement isn’t just a process, it’s a lifeline.

That’s why more operators in Canada’s North are turning to Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) like Entegra. By leveraging national and regional supplier networks, GPOs bring much-needed cost savings, stability, and innovation to even the most isolated regions.

Why Procurement is Harder in the North

Operators in remote areas face:
•    Fewer local supplier options
•    Higher shipping and delivery costs
•    Seasonal accessibility issues
•    Limited product availability

These challenges not only impact budgets, but they also affect guest experience and service quality. However, a strategic procurement partner can help level the playing field.

How GPOs Like Entegra Support Northern Operators

Here’s how a GPO can help businesses in Canada’s North stay competitive and sustainable:

1. Expanded Access to Suppliers
   Entegra connects clients to a wide network of national and regional vendors, ensuring access to essential goods, from food and cleaning supplies to equipment and linens. This network helps fill supply gaps that local markets may not cover.
2. Better Savings Through Group Buying Power
   With more than $42 billion in purchasing volume, Entegra negotiates better savings that remote operators could never secure on their own. The result? Significant savings, even in high-cost logistics zones.
3. Logistics Support and Delivery Coordination
   GPOs help navigate shipping timelines and reduce delivery disruptions. Entegra works with suppliers who understand the complexities of northern transportation, whether by road, air, or sea.
4. Menu and Product Optimization
   Northern operators often face limited menu options due to product availability. Entegra provides advisory services to help optimize menus around what’s accessible and cost-effective, without compromising on quality.
5. Resilience During Supply Chain Disruptions
   From harsh weather to global shortages, supply disruptions are more impactful in remote regions. GPOs provide alternate sourcing, backup vendors, and consistent communication to keep operations moving.

6. Innovation That Reaches Every Corner of Canada
   A GPO like Entegra does more than reduce costs, it empowers remote communities with tools, expertise, and buying power they wouldn’t otherwise have. By partnering with a GPO, northern operators can focus less on procurement headaches and more on delivering great experiences and essential services.

   
   No matter how far North you are, Entegra helps you buy smarter, spend less, and operate with confidence.