-application deadline is March 31, 2025
THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) hosted a media launch on Tuesday for its fifth annual National Quality Awards (NQA), scheduled for October this year.
Launched in 2017, the NQA is Guyana’s first quality systems-based awards programme. It recognises local companies that demonstrate excellence in applying standards and quality systems in the production of goods and delivery of services. The awards encourage businesses to strive for excellence and enhance their impact both locally and internationally.
The NQA programme was strengthened in 2021, with revised award categories and a heightened emphasis on sustainability and safety, reflecting the evolving priorities of the business landscape. These updates reinforce the NQA’s role in fostering innovation, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence among Guyanese businesses.
The biennial event is typically hosted in October during National Quality Week, aligning with World Standards Day on October 14.
GNBS Executive Director Trevor Bassoo emphasised the significance of the award, stating, “The National Quality Award gives successful businesses a sense of pride, and beyond that, it allows for other businesses to be inspired. Those who participate will give their competitors and partners an opportunity to be inspired and prepare for future National Quality Awards.”
Bassoo noted that another benefit of participation is the opportunity for businesses to undergo a third-party evaluation. “Part of the process of the National Quality Award is for participating businesses to be assessed—assessed on their business processes and their existing quality manuals. Typically, this is a service that businesses must pay for, whether through GNBS or an independent third party. However, participation in this programme includes that assessment at no additional cost.”
The NQA Programme is open to various business categories:
Small Business Manufacturing: Enterprises involved in small-scale production of goods (e.g., furniture, garments, crafts) with 25 or fewer employees, annual earnings of $60 million or less, and assets of $20 million or less.
Small Business Services: Enterprises providing small-scale services (e.g., restaurants, bed and breakfast providers, electrical service providers) with 25 or fewer employees, annual earnings of $60 million or less, and assets of $20 million or less.
Micro Business/Agro-Processors: Businesses with 10 or fewer employees and annual earnings of $40 million or less.
To be eligible, businesses must possess at least one of the following: a valid business registration from the Deeds Registry, a valid tax compliance certificate from the Guyana Revenue Authority, a valid compliance certificate from the National Insurance Scheme, and an approved completed application.
Application forms can be accessed on the GNBS website at https://gnbsgy.org/national-quality-awards-programme or collected from the GNBS Head Office or sub-offices across the regions.
Hard copies of the application must be sent in a sealed envelope to: National Quality Awards Application Form, The Executive Director, Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Track MB, Block B, National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown, Guyana.
Alternatively, applications can be submitted electronically to marketing@gnbsgy.org with the subject line: National Quality Awards Application Form.
The application and award fees for participation are as follows: Manufacturing and Services: $10,000; Small Business (Manufacturing and Services): $5,000; and Micro/Agro Processing: $5,000.
Payments can be made via cash, cheque (payable to Guyana National Bureau of Standards), bank transfer/wire transfer, or Mobile Money Guyana (MMG).
The deadline for application submissions is March 31, 2025. Winners will receive the prestigious NQA trophy, industry recognition, and promotional opportunities from the GNBS.
