Recover Guyana Launches Green Entrepreneurship Program for Youth

Recover Guyana’s ENGAGE Project, backed by Scotiabank and Van Oord, aims to train 150 young Guyanese in green business practices across eco-tourism, renewable energy, and organic farming. The program, launching in January 2025, offers up to GYD $2 million in grants for sustainable business ideas. Designed to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs, ENGAGE plans nationwide expansion by 2026, reflecting a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and youth empowerment.

Guyana-China Trade Reaches US$800 Million in 2024

Bilateral trade between Guyana and China hit an impressive US$800 million in the first half of 2024, marking a 31% year-on-year increase. Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan highlighted key infrastructure projects, including the new Demerara Harbour Bridge and renewable energy initiatives, as drivers of this growth. With over 50 years of diplomatic ties, the partnership continues to strengthen, bringing mutual economic benefits and further solidifying China’s role as a major investor in Guyana’s development.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Local Craft Production and Tourism Integration

   • Opportunity: With a growing number of tourists, especially in hinterland areas and eco-tourism destinations, there is demand for authentic local crafts, souvenirs, and cultural experiences. Small businesses can produce handcrafted items like jewelry, textiles, or decor and market these at eco-lodges, hotels, or tourist hubs.

   • Notes: Collaborate with cultural groups to showcase traditions and stories, creating unique selling points. Use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to reach tourists ahead of their visits.

2. Hydroponic and Specialty Crop Supplies

   • Opportunity: With the AIEP hydroponic farms expanding, small businesses can supply specialized equipment, nutrients, and seedlings. Additionally, offering maintenance or consulting services to local farmers adopting these techniques presents a niche market.

   • Notes: Research the supply chain gaps in hydroponic farming and establish relationships with larger distributors for scalable operations.

3. Mobile Food and Beverage Carts

   • Opportunity: With the influx of visitors from international flights and new hotels, small mobile food and beverage operations near tourist attractions, transportation hubs, and public spaces could thrive. Unique offerings, like locally inspired snacks or fusion beverages, could attract both tourists and locals.

   • Notes: Focus on branding that reflects Guyanese culture. Partner with airlines or hotels for cross-promotion.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Eco-Lodge and Bed-and-Breakfast Operations

   • Opportunity: With tourism numbers rising and a government focus on developing eco-tourism, medium enterprises can establish boutique eco-lodges or enhance existing accommodations to offer authentic, nature-centric experiences.

   • Notes: Emphasize sustainability and cultural integration, such as offering guided tours led by locals or farm-to-table dining experiences. Look into grants or partnerships with tourism authorities for funding.

2. Value-Added Agro-Processing

   • Opportunity: Leveraging government support for agro-processing, MEs can focus on producing value-added products like cassava flour, dried fruits, or pepper sauces. The $85 billion global cassava market and Guyana’s support for regional industries highlight significant potential.

   • Notes: Establish links with large-scale farms to secure raw materials. Invest in packaging that appeals to both local and international markets.

3. Tourism Transport and Experience Services

   • Opportunity: Expanding connectivity and rising tourist arrivals create demand for high-quality transportation services. Medium enterprises can establish guided shuttle tours, airport transfer services, or curated travel packages featuring cultural and natural attractions.

   • Notes: Focus on reliable, comfortable transport with multilingual guides. Collaborate with travel agencies and international airlines to secure bulk business.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Infrastructure Development for Industrial and Tourism Zones

   • Opportunity: With the Lethem Industrial Estate and other industrial zones expanding, large enterprises can invest in building warehousing, cold storage facilities, or distribution hubs for businesses involved in value-added production.

   • Notes: Explore government contracts for industrial development and potential subsidies. Develop eco-friendly designs to align with sustainability goals.

2. Renewable Energy Solutions for GtE Project-Adjacent Industries

   • Opportunity: The Gas-to-Energy project presents opportunities for large enterprises to develop renewable energy solutions or complementary services such as energy storage, grid upgrades, or industrial-scale power supply for adjacent industries.

   • Notes: Establish partnerships with government entities and explore opportunities for blended energy solutions integrating gas and renewables.

3. Hospitality Sector Expansion

   • Opportunity: The increasing tourist influx and the development of internationally branded hotels open opportunities for large-scale investments in luxury accommodations, conference facilities, and integrated resort experiences.

   • Notes: Focus on differentiating through service quality and unique offerings like wellness retreats or premium local cuisine. Leverage international marketing campaigns to attract high-value visitors.

Key Strategic Notes Across All Levels

• Partnerships: Collaborate with government initiatives, such as training programs or incentives for new enterprises.

• Sustainability: Align business models with eco-tourism and sustainability goals, especially in agro-processing and tourism.

• Branding: Highlight Guyanese heritage and culture as a unique selling proposition in all ventures.

• Technology Integration: Use data-driven insights and digital marketing to understand customer preferences and increase visibility.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Cultural Experiences and Tour Services

• Concept: Create small, immersive cultural experiences tailored for tourists. Offer guided food tours, heritage storytelling, or day trips to nearby cultural sites or eco-destinations like Orealla and Siparuta. Include authentic Guyanese experiences like craft-making workshops or Amerindian cooking classes.

• Why It Works: With tourist arrivals growing and an increased focus on cultural tourism, travelers are looking for unique, authentic experiences. Small-scale operations allow flexibility, making it an ideal side hustle.

• How to Start: Partner with local cultural groups or artisans. Use platforms like Airbnb Experiences or TripAdvisor to market your tours. Weekend operations can cater to working professionals.

2. Mobile Agro-Processing for Niche Markets

• Concept: Set up a small-scale, mobile agro-processing unit to produce niche items like dried fruit snacks, packaged cassava flour, or flavored pepper sauces. These can be sold locally and eventually exported to the diaspora markets.

• Why It Works: Agro-processing is a government priority, with strong demand for value-added products in local and international markets. Using locally sourced produce from small farmers aligns with sustainability trends and has a high-profit margin.

• How to Start: Use weekends or evenings to process small batches at home with basic dehydrators or grinders. Sell products at local markets, on social media, or through partnerships with supermarkets.

3. Luxury Transportation and Chauffeur Services

• Concept: Offer high-end chauffeur or airport transfer services using a personal vehicle, catering to oil industry executives, tourists, or event-goers. Add value with features like Wi-Fi, bottled water, or city tours as part of the service.

• Why It Works: With increasing business activity due to oil production and expanding tourism, there’s growing demand for reliable and professional transportation services. This is especially lucrative during peak tourist or business seasons.

• How to Start: Customize an existing vehicle to create a premium experience. Use platforms like social media or local WhatsApp groups to advertise. Partner with hotels or businesses catering to international clients for referrals.

Strategic Notes

• Flexibility: All these ideas can be scaled up or down, depending on the time and resources available.

• Technology Integration: Use apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace, or Instagram for promotion and bookings.

• Leverage Growing Industries: These ideas capitalize on the growth of tourism, agriculture, and oil-driven business activity in Guyana.

Each side hustle is designed to maximize earning potential while allowing people to maintain their primary jobs.