US Tariffs Threaten Guyana’s Fish & Agro Exports

Following new U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, Finance Minister Ashni Singh is set to meet with local exporters. While major exports like petroleum are exempt, the 10% universal tariff and a 38% reciprocal tariff may affect fish, shrimp, and agricultural products—critical to small-scale exporters.

Local Content Rules May Tighten with Residency Requirement

The government is reviewing Guyana’s Local Content Act and may introduce a residency clause to counter “fronting” by foreign companies using Guyanese nationals as figureheads. Officials say the move would ensure the "spirit and letter" of the Act is upheld and benefits truly go to locals.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Opportunities for Small Enterprises

1. Maritime Skills Training & Certification Support

Context: The government plans to launch a Maritime Academy to boost local employment, as less than 30% of offshore jobs are held by Guyanese.
Opportunity: Start a micro-business offering preparatory training, online tutoring, or certificate facilitation services for seafarers preparing for maritime careers.
Notes: Focus on customer service, safety training, and English-language readiness. Collaborate with the upcoming academy for referrals or subcontracted services.

2. Mobile Healthcare Services & Nursing Agencies

Context: Guyana is aggressively expanding healthcare infrastructure despite a nurse shortage.
Opportunity: Start a licensed nursing agency or mobile home-care service to supplement hospital workforce needs, especially in rural areas.
Notes: Can be started lean with 2–3 registered nurses. Leverage diaspora nurses on short-term contracts and target newly built hospitals for contracts.

3. Compliance & Documentation Assistance for Local Content Certification

Context: The Local Content Secretariat is cracking down on fronting and tightening rules, including proposed residency and tax compliance criteria.
Opportunity: Offer affordable services for small local businesses to prepare documentation, file taxes, and meet compliance to qualify for local content contracts.
Notes: Bundle with accounting or legal services. Focus on small contractors in transport, catering, or logistics trying to gain entry into oil and gas supply chains.

Top 3 Opportunities for Medium Enterprises

1. Digital & On-Site Security Services for Healthcare and Education Facilities

Context: Canadian-funded tech upgrades are being donated to the police to tackle sexual and gender-based violence. Schools and hospitals are growing rapidly.
Opportunity: Offer CCTV installations, biometric access systems, and digital monitoring services tailored for hospitals, dorms, and schools.
Notes: Bundle security training and maintenance. Position business as a strategic partner in improving safety, especially for vulnerable populations.

2. Education Tech & Exam Prep Business (CSEC/CAPE Focused)

Context: Government will now fully fund 8 CSEC subjects and all CAPE fees for students in both public and private schools.
Opportunity: Launch an ed-tech platform or brick-and-mortar after-school program focused on exam preparation, career guidance, and soft skills.
Notes: Rapid scale possible with a hybrid online-offline model. Huge addressable market with increased CSEC participation and a 2025 election focus on youth.

3. Forensic and Bio-Evidence Logistics Services

Context: The GPF received bio-medical transport coolers and forensic lab monitoring equipment from JES/Canada.
Opportunity: Establish a specialized courier or lab services company focusing on secure transportation and handling of medical and forensic samples.
Notes: Potential partnerships with police, courts, and hospitals. Expansion possible into insurance fraud investigation support and private sector diagnostics.

Top 3 Opportunities for Large Enterprises

1. Specialized Maritime Academy or Simulator Training Center

Context: Guyana is launching a Maritime Academy to increase Guyanese representation in offshore jobs.
Opportunity: Build or co-develop a private maritime training center offering IMO-compliant certifications, simulator training, and advanced seafarer programs.
Notes: Position the institution as a regional center for marine skills, with potential to export training services to Suriname, Trinidad, and Barbados.

2. Private Cardiovascular Care & Wellness Center

Context: Guyana has the highest cardiovascular mortality rate in the Americas. The government is launching a national cardiac strategy with Northwell and the Subraj Foundation.
Opportunity: Build a private cardiac care facility or full-service diagnostic and wellness center focusing on lifestyle diseases and early intervention.
Notes: Location in Georgetown or along the East Bank corridor would be ideal. Align with government goals for early screening and chronic care management.

3. Local Content Compliance and Verification SaaS

Context: Increased scrutiny and potential residency-based rules are being introduced into the Local Content Act.
Opportunity: Develop a scalable software-as-a-service platform for local content compliance monitoring, beneficial ownership validation, and reporting.
Notes: Target oil & gas multinationals, subcontractors, and government agencies. Strong demand likely for a credible, auditable tool with API integrations.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. CSEC/CAPE Exam Prep Tutoring (Online or Weekend-Only)

Why now: The government will now fully fund exam fees for students across both public and private schools, dramatically increasing participation.
Opportunity: Offer focused weekend tutoring in core subjects like Mathematics, English, Biology, and Social Studies. Use WhatsApp, Zoom, or in-person group sessions.
Bonus: Bundle with digital flashcards, past paper compilations, or printable study plans for extra passive income.
Time commitment: 6–10 hours per week
Startup cost: Low (basic materials and promotion via Facebook or flyers)

2. Mobile Bio-Evidence or Lab Sample Courier

Why now: The Justice Education Society and GPF just introduced new bio-evidence kits and forensic tools, but rural transportation is still lacking.
Opportunity: Use your car or motorcycle on weekends or evenings to transport lab samples, small medical equipment, or legal paperwork from police stations or clinics to regional labs.
How to start: Register as a micro-logistics service with police stations or private clinics.
Time commitment: Flexible, mostly evenings or weekends
Startup cost: Medium (fuel, gloves, cooler bags, ID badge)

3. Digital Compliance Assistant for Local Content Startups

Why now: The Local Content Secretariat is tightening rules, and many small businesses lack proper documentation and risk losing access to oil sector contracts.
Opportunity: If you’re organized and computer-savvy, offer part-time help with tax filings, recordkeeping, or Local Content certificate prep. Focus on contractors in catering, construction, or cleaning services.
How to start: Market services via LinkedIn, Facebook, or referrals from accountants and attorneys.
Time commitment: 3–5 hours/week per client
Startup cost: Very low (email, Canva, Excel)