Unlock Revenue Potential with Quilakwa Training & Consulting

Attend one of our workshops to discover how to launch and run a service centre in your community.

Announcing our Exclusive
Service Centre Workshops!

Join Quilakwa Training & Consulting in Enderby, BC, as we guide you through the process of launching or enhancing a successful service centre and related revenue-generating properties in your community.

Review our available services below.

  • Launching and Expanding a Service Station

    2-Day Workshop

    An immersive experience where you will learn the ins and outs of starting a service centre from scratch.

  • Expanding Your Service Centre Business

    1-Day Workshop

    Focused on optimizing and improving a newly founded or longstanding service centre operations.

  • Custom Workshops

    Quilalkwa Training & Consulting provides tailored workshops designed to focus on the specific needs and potential of your service centre operation.

  • On-Site Project Delivery

    Quilakwa Training & Consulting will manage all project aspects, including construction, fuel supply negotiation, and training. We ensure that every detail is executed flawlessly.

OUR STORY

Discover valuable insight from the ups and downs of our experiences.

Pioneering Economic Development for the Splatsin Community

The Quilakwa Service Centre holds a significant place in the history of the Splatsin community and First Nations economic development in Canada. Established in 1984, it was the first gas station on a First Nations reserve, marking the beginning of a transformative journey towards self-sufficiency and prosperity for the Splatsin people.

We've stumbled, learned, and grown stronger from each obstacle we encountered. Now, we are committed to sharing our hard-earned knowledge to help you avoid similar pitfalls and achieve your own success. Our story is one of perseverance and genuine growth, and we hope it can inspire and guide you on your own journey.

  • Recognizing the need for economic development and employment opportunities, the Splatsin Band spearheaded the initiative to transform an old community co-op store located by the side of the highway to a full-service gas station. This move was groundbreaking, setting a precedent for other First Nations communities across Canada.

  • In 1984, the vision became a reality with the opening of Super Save Gas. The station quickly became a cornerstone of the local economy, providing much-needed services to the community and generating revenue that could be reinvested into further development projects.

Our journey has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. We’ve faced our share of hurdles, including navigating a supply agreement that we considered to be unfair.

Through grit and perseverance, these experiences have been invaluable in shaping who we are today, resulting in the Quilakwa Centre becoming one of the top volume service stations in the Okanagan.
  • As the years passed, the service centre continued to thrive and expand. Along the way, we discovered that our contracts with fuel suppliers needed to be improved. In 2014, Super Save Gas transitioned to Esso and then to Canco in 2023. Each rebranding realized improved fuel supply negotiations and resulted in new eras of growth and modernization for the service centre.

  • Under the Canco brand, the service centre expanded its facilities to include 10 gas pumps and a two-bay car wash, catering to an increasing number of customers.

    The introduction of branded food outlets like Tim Hortons and Chester’s Chicken, a gift shop, and the Vapor Vault further diversified the station’s revenue streams.

Upcoming Workshops

D2024: Launching and Expanding a Service Station in your Community

Workshop Description

The first day of the workshop is dedicated to providing participants with a comprehensive introduction to the process of launching a service centre on their lands. This session is designed to equip attendees with the foundational knowledge and essential steps required to successfully establish a service centre business.

The second day of the workshop focuses on strategies and techniques for expanding and growing the service centre business. Participants will learn how to enhance their services, increase revenue, and establish a strong brand presence.

  • D2024-31
    July 21 & 22, 2024
    Splatsin Development Corporation Boardroom
    • $450.00 per attendee

    D2024-32
    September 27 & 28, 2024
    Splatsin Development Corporation Boardroom
    • $450.00 per attendee

    D2024-41
    November 15 & 16, 2024
    Splatsin Development Corporation Boardroom
    • $450.00 per attendee

  • 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Breakfast & lunch provided

    Understanding the Market

    • Analysis of the current market trends and demands for service centres on First Nations lands.
    • Identifying potential customer bases and competition.

    Business Planning
    • Creating a robust business plan.
    • Financial planning and securing funding.
    • Risk assessment and management strategies.

    Legal and Regulatory Requirements
    • Navigating federal, provincial, and local regulations.
    • Understanding environmental regulations and compliance.
    • Acquiring necessary permits and licenses.

    Site Selection and Development
    • Criteria for choosing the best location for a service centre.
    • Land acquisition and zoning considerations.
    • Infrastructure development and construction planning.

    Supplier and Vendor Relations
    • Building relationships with fuel suppliers.
    • Negotiating contracts and ensuring reliable supply chains.

    Operations Management
    • Setting up day-to-day operations.
    • Staffing requirements and training programs.
    • Implementing safety and security measures.

  • 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Breakfast & lunch provided

    Diversifying Services
    • Introducing additional services such as convenience stores, car washes, and repair shops.
    • Leveraging technology for better customer service (e.g., mobile apps, loyalty programs).

    Marketing and Branding
    • Developing effective marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
    • Building a strong brand identity and online presence.
    • Community engagement and social responsibility initiatives.

    Financial Growth Strategies
    • Exploring funding options for expansion.
    • Budgeting and financial forecasting.
    • Managing cash flow and profitability.

    Operational Excellence
    • Enhancing operational efficiency through technology and automation.
    • Implementing best practices in inventory management.
    • Training staff for improved customer service and operational skills.

    Fuel Supply Agreements and Negotiations
    • Understanding the components of fuel supply agreements.
    • Strategies for negotiating favorable terms and conditions.
    • Ensuring long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness of fuel supplies.
    • Managing relationships with fuel suppliers and distributors.

    Partnerships and Collaborations
    • Forming strategic alliances with other businesses.
    • Engaging with local communities and stakeholders for mutual growth.
    • Exploring franchising opportunities.

    Sustainability Practices
    • Implementing eco-friendly practices and sustainable business models.
    • Understanding the benefits of green energy solutions and alternative fuels.

All travel and accommodation costs as well as any meals outside of the workshop catering will be the responsibility of the attendee.


E2024: Expanding Your Service Station Business

Workshop Description

This one-day workshop will focus on strategies and techniques for expanding and growing your service centre business. Participants will learn how to enhance their services, increase revenue, and establish a strong brand presence.

  • E2024-31
    July 22, 2024
    Splatsin Development Corporation Boardroom
    • $275.00 per attendee

    E2024-32
    September 28, 2024
    Splatsin Development Corporation Boardroom
    • $275.00 per attendee

    E2024-41
    November 16, 2024
    Splatsin Development Corporation Boardroom
    • $275.00 per attendee

  • 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Breakfast & lunch provided

    Diversifying Services
    • Introducing additional services such as convenience stores, car washes, and repair shops.
    • Leveraging technology for better customer service (e.g., mobile apps, loyalty programs).

    Marketing and Branding

    • Developing effective marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
    • Building a strong brand identity and online presence.
    • Community engagement and social responsibility initiatives.

    Financial Growth Strategies

    • Exploring funding options for expansion.
    • Budgeting and financial forecasting.
    • Managing cash flow and profitability.

    Operational Excellence
    • Enhancing operational efficiency through technology and automation.
    • Implementing best practices in inventory management.
    • Training staff for improved customer service and operational skills.

    Fuel Supply Agreements and Negotiations
    • Understanding the components of fuel supply agreements.
    • Strategies for negotiating favorable terms and conditions.
    • Ensuring long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness of fuel supplies.
    • Managing relationships with fuel suppliers and distributors.

    Partnerships and Collaborations
    • Forming strategic alliances with other businesses.
    • Engaging with local communities and stakeholders for mutual growth.
    • Exploring franchising opportunities.

    Sustainability Practices
    • Implementing eco-friendly practices and sustainable business models.
    • Understanding the benefits of green energy solutions and alternative fuels.

All travel and accommodation costs as well as any meals outside of the workshop catering will be the responsibility of the attendee.

LOCATION

All Quilakwa Training & Consulting service station workshops will be held in-person at Splatsin Development Corporation's technologically advanced boardroom. Situated in the beautiful Enderby, BC, this facility provides an ideal environment for learning and collaboration. Attendees can look forward to a comfortable and well-equipped setting that optimizes discussion and the training experience.

 

Have Questions?

Contact Us!
Nik Vischschraper
nik.visch@quilakwa.ca
(250) 838-0775

5655 Hwy 97A
Enderby, B.C. V0E 1V3

BOOK NOW

Reserve your space for one of our service centre workshops by completing the form below. A member of our team will contact you right away to provide more information and complete your registration.

Register at least one week prior to the date of your workshop to be eligible to attend.
Please note that your workshop registration will not be finalized until payment is received.

On-Site Project Delivery

When your band decides to add a service station in your community, Quilakwa Training & Consulting is there to provide complete on-site project management: seamlessly delivering all aspects from end-to-end.

Our team will work closely with you to understand your needs and preferences before developing a custom comprehensive quote outlining our proposed solution to bring your vision to life.

One of the initial steps in this process includes negotiating with fuel suppliers to ensure that the fuel supply meets your requirements. Our team will also determine site build logistics, such as assessing the land, obtaining necessary permits, and planning for infrastructure needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the project is considered and addressed.

Our on-site management approach is designed to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that experienced professionals are overseeing the delivery of your service station. We will provide you with a turnkey solution, including all operational and point-of-sale training for your team members.

We are committed to delivering high-quality results and ensuring that your project is up and running before you know it!

Once the project plan is finalized, Quilakwa Training & Consulting will assign a dedicated project team to oversee the construction on-site. This team will travel to your location and remain on-site until the project is completed, ensuring that all aspects of the construction process are managed efficiently and effectively.