SME Federation argues the increase will force to consider payroll adjustments.
The Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (FEPYME) through a paid advertisement in the local press asked President Alvaro Colom to reconsider his decision, "so to set minimum wages in accordance to technical criteria and in accordance with the economic situation."
"Alejandro Ceballos, (executive director of the Committee on Textiles), asked the government to analyze the recent increase technically," published Prensalibre.com.
The measure that forced the submission of audited financial statements for the payment of income tax was limited to big enterprises.
The Guatemalan Congress approved Decree number 14-2009 which limited the types of companies that must file audited financial reports.
According to this new provision, small and medium sized businesses are not required to audit their reports, while special contributors and those inscribed under the in-bond industry, export activity and free zone schemes will have to do so.
The level of consumption in the sector has fallen between 15 and 25%, as a result of the decrease in exports and a smaller local demand.
Elperiodico.com.gt reports: "The most affected industries are food and beverages, maquila, plastics, and construction, including some materials used by that sector, added Ernesto Morales, president of the Federation of Small and Medium Business (Fepyme).
Central America receives 80% of the exports by small and medium businesses in Guatemala.
"Central America is the region to which they export the most due its proximity; however, we are interested in completing the customs union, because not having it reduces competitiveness," explained Ernesto Morales Pinzon, president of the Guatemalan Federation of Small and Medium Businesses (Fepyme).
The Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Guatemala has opened a training and business center.
The center will train its clients in the tools and practices of management, technology, legal and financial issues, and marketing.
Ernesto Morales Pinzón, the center's manager, said, "The center will allow participants to spend the day dealing with real world themes, so that they can do a better job of managing their own businesses in an marketplace of increasing competitiveness."