$1.382 Trillion Budget Passed – Tax Breaks and Wage Increases for Guyanese

Guyana’s 2025 budget, amounting to $1.382 trillion, has been passed, bringing a range of tax relief measures and increased public spending. Notable measures include raising the income tax threshold to $130,000, deductions for children, and the removal of taxes on overtime and second job income up to $50,000. The government also plans to spend $9 billion on cost-of-living measures, abolish bridge tolls upon completion of the Demerara River Bridge, and extend reduced freight costs for another year to combat inflation. These initiatives are expected to inject billions into the economy and provide direct relief to workers.

New Hospitals to Feature Birthing Suites, Operating Theatres as Health Sector Gets $143B

Guyana is set to open six new hospitals in 2025, offering advanced healthcare services, including three operating theatres, birthing suites, CT scans, and 24-hour emergency care. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony announced the facilities will be located in Lima, De Kindren, Diamond, Enmore, Bath, and Skeldon. This is part of the government’s $143.2 billion health sector allocation, which also includes $28 billion for medical supplies, expansion of nursing programs, and a new universal healthcare voucher to provide free medical checkups to citizens.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SE)

1. Construction & Roofing Repair Services (Market: Linden, General Infrastructure Projects)

Opportunity: The $18M grant for Wismar Market’s roof repair signals demand for skilled tradesmen, roofing specialists, and construction supply vendors.
Potential Business Ideas:

• A small roofing repair company that specializes in market stalls, commercial spaces, and residential roofing.

• Selling pre-fabricated roofing materials or waterproofing solutions to government and private construction projects.
  Notes: Government infrastructure grants suggest a long-term opportunity in local repair contracts, as similar projects may arise in other towns and markets.

2. Affordable Packaged Meals & Catering for Health Workers (Market: Hospital Expansion, Healthcare Workforce Growth)

Opportunity: With the government allocating $143 billion to the health sector, including six new hospitals, thousands of healthcare workers will need food services near medical facilities.
Potential Business Ideas:

• Meal prep and catering for hospital staff, providing healthy, affordable options.

• Mobile food carts near hospitals targeting doctors, nurses, and visitors.
  Notes: Hospitals operate 24/7, making this a recurring revenue opportunity.

3. Freight & Logistics for SME Exporters (Market: Reduced Freight Costs, International Trade Growth)

Opportunity: The extension of reduced freight costs until the end of 2025 is a huge incentive for small exporters.
Potential Business Ideas:

• Affordable international shipping services targeting micro-businesses and exporters (e.g., dehydrated fruits, local crafts, spices).

• Small courier/logistics business helping farmers, small manufacturers, and online sellers get their goods to ports faster.
  Notes: This will support local food and agriculture exporters, especially as Caribbean trade expands.

Medium Enterprises (ME)

1. Contracted Labour Supply for Construction & Real Estate Development (Market: Land Sales, Infrastructure Projects, New Hospitals, Commercial Development)

Opportunity: With government land transactions continuing and six major hospitals opening, demand for skilled construction workers, project managers, and subcontractors will rise.
Potential Business Ideas:

• Labour supply agency for construction projects, partnering with government and private developers.

• Mid-sized construction firm specializing in commercial and public sector projects.
  Notes: Real estate and infrastructure development are critical growth areas, with both government and private investors involved.

2. Tech-Based Healthcare & HR Solutions (Market: Government & Healthcare Workforce, Growing Private Sector)

Opportunity: Healthcare investments (hospital expansion, workforce growth) and government payroll reforms create an opportunity for HR and payroll software.
Potential Business Ideas:

• A payroll or HR software specifically designed for healthcare workers and public servants (e.g., NIS tracking, wage deductions, shift scheduling).

• Online health consultation platform targeting remote healthcare access for rural communities.
  Notes: Government contracts in HR, payroll, and medical services can lead to long-term contracts.

3. Security & Surveillance for Government & Private Businesses (Market: Rising Crime, Public Safety Concerns, Government Contracts)

Opportunity: The firing of high-ranking police officials and continued concerns over crime create demand for private security solutions.
Potential Business Ideas:

• High-tech security firms offering CCTV, biometric access control, and AI-powered monitoring for businesses.

• Security personnel agency for warehouses, hospitals, commercial spaces, and housing developments.
  Notes: Government contracts and private sector demand for corporate security will rise as businesses expand and build.

Large Enterprises (LE)

1. Industrial Warehousing & Logistics Centers (Market: Land Transactions, Oil Revenue Growth, Export Expansion)

Opportunity: The government’s push for continued land transactions and oil-driven development signals increasing demand for industrial storage and distribution hubs.
Potential Business Ideas:

• Build large-scale warehouses and logistics parks near Ogle, East Bank, and major highways.

• Cold storage and export-focused distribution centers for agriculture, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods.
  Notes: Land and real estate deals are happening now, so invest early in strategic locations.

2. Renewable Energy Solutions & Infrastructure (Market: Government Infrastructure Expansion, Large-Scale Development Projects)

Opportunity: Major hospital and real estate expansions will drive demand for sustainable power solutions in key regions.
Potential Business Ideas:

• Solar and renewable energy company specializing in commercial and government installations.

• Energy-efficient cooling and power solutions for industrial and healthcare projects.
  Notes: Energy efficiency regulations and oil wealth investments will drive this sector’s profitability in 2025-2030.

3. High-End Business & Hospitality Developments (Market: Increased Foreign Direct Investment, Oil Boom, Regional Business Travel)

Opportunity: President Ali’s call for Suriname-Guyana economic integration, plus oil-driven GDP growth, means increased business travel and luxury tourism demand.
Potential Business Ideas:

• Luxury business hotels and serviced apartments for high-net-worth investors and oil executives.

• Premium corporate event spaces and business lounges near Georgetown, Ogle, and major commercial districts.
  Notes: The hospitality sector is expanding, but luxury business travel services are still underserved.

Key Takeaways & Recommendations

• Small Enterprises: Focus on immediate, scalable needs, such as construction, catering, and logistics, where investment is low but demand is high.

• Medium Enterprises: Leverage growing sectors like healthcare, HR tech, and security to secure long-term contracts with government and private clients.

• Large Enterprises: Go big on logistics, renewable energy, and business hospitality, as these align with Guyana’s oil boom and FDI growth.

Next Steps?

• Entrepreneurs should monitor land sales, government tenders, and investment zones for early mover advantage.

• Form partnerships with government and private sector to capitalize on major spending initiatives.

• Invest in skilled labour, training, and infrastructure, as Guyana’s rapid growth requires expertise and efficiency.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Freight & Small-Scale Logistics Service

Opportunity:
With the government extending reduced freight costs until the end of 2025 and increasing exports, small businesses and exporters need affordable and flexible logistics services. Many businesses struggle to move products efficiently from farms, warehouses, or markets to the ports or retail locations.

How It Works:

• Purchase or rent a small van/pickup to transport goods for businesses that can’t afford their own fleet.

• Partner with exporters (e.g., dried fruit, agro-processors, or craft businesses) to provide weekly delivery services to ports, distribution hubs, and retail stores.

• Offer scheduled pickups and deliveries for e-commerce sellers and small businesses using WhatsApp and Instagram for orders.

Why This Works:

• Businesses are expanding, but logistics remains inefficient.

• Many entrepreneurs lack the scale for full trucking services but still need reliable transport.

• Flexible schedule: Deliveries can be scheduled before or after working hours.

2. Premium Business Travel & Executive Concierge Services

Opportunity:
With Suriname and Guyana strengthening economic ties and more foreign executives arriving for oil, infrastructure, and business investments, there is an increasing need for high-end, personalized business support services.

How It Works:

• Offer a business concierge service to executives and foreign investors visiting Guyana. Services include airport pickups, itinerary planning, appointment scheduling, and city navigation.

• Provide corporate event assistance (e.g., setting up meetings, sourcing venues, arranging translators, and securing premium reservations at restaurants and hotels).

• Partner with hotels, real estate agents, and drivers to offer a seamless VIP experience.

Why This Works:

• Business travel to Guyana is booming, and high-net-worth investors need convenience and efficiency.

• Most locals do not cater to this niche market, leaving room for premium service providers.

• Can be run alongside a full-time job—services are mostly pre-scheduled.

3. Boutique Import & Resale Business for High-Demand Professional Gear

Opportunity:
As more professionals and business owners emerge in Guyana, there’s a growing demand for high-quality work accessories, including premium office wear, tech gadgets, safety gear (for oil & gas, construction), and executive gifts. Many items are unavailable locally or overpriced.

How It Works:

• Use Amazon, Alibaba, or other online wholesale platforms to import in-demand professional items (business bags, smartwatches, ergonomic chairs, safety vests, work boots, etc.).

• Sell through Instagram, WhatsApp, and a small pop-up booth at business events or trade fairs.

• Offer bulk deals to corporate clients (e.g., oil and gas firms, contractors, real estate developers).

Why This Works:

• Professionals and businesses want quality products but lack easy access.

• Small-scale imports avoid heavy inventory risk.

• Can be operated online and managed after work hours.

Final Thoughts & Strategy

• Freight & logistics solve a major problem for small businesses looking to expand into exports affordably.

• Business travel concierge taps into high-spending clients who are entering Guyana for investment opportunities.

• Professional gear reselling takes advantage of the country’s rising workforce and economic expansion.. Mobile Food and Beverage Services:

• Concept: Start a mobile food truck or a pop-up stall that offers local and international cuisine at various events, near burgeoning industrial sites, or in commercial areas that are seeing an influx of workers and tourists. Given the increase in events like Linden Town Week and the ongoing developments in tourism and hospitality, there's a ripe market for on-the-go dining options that offer convenience and taste.

• Value Proposition: Provides quick, quality meals for busy professionals, tourists, and local workers, tapping into the growing demand for convenient dining experiences. This could also extend to catering services for corporate events, festivals, and private gatherings.

2. Professional Networking and Event Management:

• Concept: Develop a service that organizes professional networking events, workshops, and seminars. Focus on industries that are thriving in Guyana like oil and gas, mining, and hospitality. This service could include virtual components to connect local professionals with international experts.

• Value Proposition: As Guyana's professional landscape expands, there is a growing need for platforms that facilitate networking, professional development, and knowledge exchange. This side hustle not only fills that gap but also positions the entrepreneur as a pivotal connector in the professional community.

3. Eco-Tourism and Cultural Tours:

• Concept: Set up an eco-tourism venture that offers guided tours to explore Guyana's natural landscapes, cultural sites, and historical locations. This could include river tours, wildlife observation tours, and visits to local communities and cultural events, tailored to both locals and tourists.

• Value Proposition: With the global rise in eco-tourism and Guyana's rich natural and cultural heritage, this side hustle taps into an environmentally conscious segment that values sustainability and authentic experiences. It leverages Guyana's unique assets and caters to both domestic tourists and international visitors looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

These side hustles are scalable and can start small, requiring modest initial investments while offering substantial growth potential as Guyana's economy continues to expand. They are designed to leverage local strengths and meet the emerging needs of a diversifying economic environment.