GBA Welcomes Historic $8 Billion Sports Budget

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) commended the government’s historic $8 billion sports budget for 2025, a 73.9% increase over last year. The funding will support infrastructure, athlete development, and community outreach, fostering resilience and discipline through sports. The GBA pledged to collaborate with the government to efficiently allocate resources and enhance the nation’s sporting ecosystem.

$2 Billion Earmarked for Traffic Management Infrastructure

The government has allocated $2 billion to expand traffic light infrastructure across Guyana in 2025. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, announced plans for a “massive rollout” to improve traffic safety and ease congestion, reflecting a strong commitment to addressing road management challenges. The initiative complements ongoing efforts to modernize the country's transportation network and align with its growing economy.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises

1. Solar Energy Installation and Maintenance

   • Opportunity: With ongoing electricity projects and increased focus on sustainable energy under LCDS 2030, small businesses can capitalize on the demand for solar panel installations and maintenance, particularly in rural areas like Upper East Bank Berbice.

   • Thoughts: Partnering with government or NGOs to provide subsidized solar solutions could be a strategic entry point for small-scale entrepreneurs.

2. Local Organic Fertilizer Production

   • Opportunity: The national soil survey aims to improve agricultural productivity, creating demand for high-quality, localized organic fertilizers tailored to soil conditions.

   • Thoughts: Small businesses can source raw materials locally, ensuring low-cost production and marketability to small-scale farmers participating in government agriculture initiatives.

3. Community-Based Heritage Tours

   • Opportunity: The proposed revitalization of Promenade Gardens and other sustainable urban development projects can drive tourism. Small enterprises could offer guided walking tours highlighting historical and cultural sites.

   • Thoughts: Leverage digital platforms to promote services, targeting eco-conscious travelers and educational groups.

Medium Enterprises

1. Agro-Processing Facilities

   • Opportunity: Investments in agriculture, such as the expanded drainage and irrigation in Region Three and focus on agro-processing in Budget 2025, open doors for medium enterprises to establish facilities for packaged and processed goods.

   • Thoughts: Products like direct-consumption packaged sugars or processed fruits and vegetables align with government goals for value-added agriculture and can find domestic and export markets.

2. Mid-Sized Construction and Engineering Firms

   • Opportunity: With significant infrastructure projects like road upgrades, water treatment plants, and urban development in Georgetown, medium-sized firms can bid for contracts or partner with larger companies on sub-contracts.

   • Thoughts: Specializing in asphalt paving or sustainable building practices could provide a competitive advantage given the government’s green agenda.

3. Tech Solutions for Public Service Monitoring

   • Opportunity: President Ali's announcement of regional quality assurance bodies presents an opportunity to develop digital tools for public service monitoring (e.g., apps for real-time tracking of medical supplies or education services).

   • Thoughts: A medium-sized IT enterprise could create and implement such solutions, potentially in collaboration with government agencies or NGOs.

Large Enterprises

1. Renewable Energy Infrastructure Projects

   • Opportunity: Guyana’s partnership with Qatar and the UK for sustainable development, coupled with the emphasis on renewable energy projects, provides a ripe opportunity for large enterprises to invest in wind, solar, or hydropower plants.

   • Thoughts: Explore private-public partnership models to secure government support and long-term contracts.

2. Real Estate Development in Region Three

   • Opportunity: Infrastructure investments and the Gas-to-Energy project in Region Three will likely boost commercial and residential demand. Large enterprises can develop mixed-use properties or industrial parks to cater to growing business and housing needs.

   • Thoughts: Align developments with LCDS 2030 goals, incorporating green building practices and renewable energy systems.

3. Large-Scale Agro-Industrial Complexes

   • Opportunity: The national soil survey and Budget 2025’s focus on agriculture create an opening for large-scale enterprises to invest in agro-industrial complexes. These can include facilities for high-yield crop production, advanced packaging plants, and export-oriented processing.

   • Thoughts: Focus on products with strong international demand, such as packaged sugar, processed citrus, or organic foods, while leveraging Guyana’s growing prominence in CARICOM markets.

General Notes and Strategic Thoughts

• Sustainability Alignment: Across all levels, businesses that align with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030) will have better access to funding, government contracts, and public goodwill.

• Leverage Public-Private Partnerships: Many government projects invite private sector collaboration. Small to large businesses should consider co-investing or bidding for government-supported initiatives.

• Digital Transformation: Technology adoption, especially for monitoring and management solutions in agriculture, public services, and infrastructure, offers significant opportunities across the board.

• Export Potential: Agro-processing, sustainable products, and tourism services could benefit from Guyana’s growing global visibility, especially in CARICOM and eco-tourism markets.

Each of these opportunities is actionable and aligns with the current developments and government priorities. Pursuing them can create value for both enterprises and the wider economy.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Sustainable Landscaping and Garden Design Services

   • Why It’s High Value: With the government's push for sustainable urban development (e.g., Promenade Gardens transformation) and growing middle-class communities from oil wealth, there’s demand for eco-friendly landscaping solutions. This includes native plant gardens, low-maintenance designs, and small urban farming setups.

   • How It Works: Offer affordable weekend services to design, install, and maintain sustainable gardens for homeowners, small businesses, or community projects.

2. Small-Scale Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance

   • Why It’s High Value: Guyana’s emphasis on renewable energy and government investments in electrification in rural areas create a strong market for solar solutions. Many households and small businesses will want to reduce their reliance on traditional power sources.

   • How It Works: With basic training (accessible online or via local programs), individuals can offer solar panel installation for homes or small businesses, particularly in underserved areas like Upper East Bank Berbice.

3. Premium Home-Based Agro-Processing

   • Why It’s High Value: Guyana’s agricultural sector is being revitalized with government support for agro-processing. Busy professionals and growing communities are looking for locally made, convenient, and premium food products.

   • How It Works: Use basic dehydrating or canning equipment to create high-value products like dried fruits, pepper sauce, or cassava flour. Highlight "locally sourced" and "organic" in your branding. Focus on selling online or at weekend markets.

Why These Ideas Work for Side Hustlers

• Flexibility: These hustles can be run on evenings or weekends, fitting around full-time work schedules.

• Scalable: Each can start small and grow with reinvestment of profits.

• Alignment with Economic Growth: These ideas tap into Guyana’s expanding middle class, government initiatives, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring strong market demand.