Using GNBS certification & training to boost MSMEs

Building a business is often driven by passion and ambition, but the journey becomes significantly more complex as entrepreneurs navigate compliance requirements and operational standards. Research shows that challenges related to growth, sustainability and regulatory obligations contribute to the failure of a large percentage of businesses within their first year. It was this reality that inspired Erin Kirton to establish the Guyana Small Business Resource Centre (GSBRC), aimed at helping entrepreneurs transform early promises into long-term success. Established in 2020, the company is located at One Mile Wismar, Linden, Region 10.

Through its operations, GSBRC provides training, guidance and consultancy services to entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen and grow their ventures. Kirton explained that the consultancy aspect of the business allows GSBRC to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in addressing challenges related to knowledge gaps, financing, accounting and compliance obligations. “Because I understand the processes, I prepare all the necessary documentation and either submit them to the relevant compliance agencies or personally ensure that the procedures are completed,” she said. “This helps my clients meet their respective obligations efficiently,” she added. The documentation managed by GSBRC includes fire safety requirements, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) compliance, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliance, business licences and other regulatory requirements. In 2024, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) introduced its newest certification programme based on National Standard GYS 901 – Requirements for Management Systems for MSMEs. The programme is designed to help MSMEs strengthen internal processes, improve efficiency, build customer confidence and prepare for regional and international opportunities. The new GNBS programme sparked Ms Kirton’s interest in becoming certified, as she recognised its potential to enhance the quality of leadership and guidance she provides to her clients. “The (GNBS) training was fantastic,” she noted. “The facilitators challenged my thinking and provided clear guidelines on how to implement the standard within my business. They were extremely supportive and helped me to reorganise my office, redefine my vision and goals and develop a clear plan of action.” She explained that the training and certification process resulted in the development of a Quality Policy, improvements in record-keeping, the establishment of structured feedback channels, and an enhanced capacity to train clients more effectively. By the end of 2025, GSBRC was among the first businesses to be certified under the programme. On January 06, 2026, the company officially received its certificate from the GNBS Certification Services Department.
Reflecting on her experience, which she described as positive, Ms Kirton said she intends to actively encourage her clients to pursue GNBS certification. “The training has enhanced my ability to guide them in line with the standard and to encourage them to become certified,” she explained. “I can now walk them through several of the steps and clearly outline the benefits of certification.” The businesswoman added that one of the key advantages of certification is the increased opportunity to work with foreign companies operating in Guyana, noting that certification to the GYS 901 standard serves as a steppingstone towards ISO 9001 certification. Looking ahead, Ms Kirton said the certification has positioned GSBRC to deliver its services at a higher standard, reinforcing its role in supporting the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized businesses across the country. Businesses thinking about applying for the 901 certification or any other GNBS Certification can contact the GNBS’s Certification Services Department. The application forms, along with detailed requirements, can be found on the GNBS website https://gnbsgy.org/certification/
For further information, contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org