Guyana’s Infrastructure Gets a Major Boost with $23 Billion Drainage Project

The government has started work on a massive $23 billion drainage project in Region Six, featuring Hope Canal-style waterways to mitigate flooding. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha confirmed that the initiative will improve water management, reducing the impact of heavy rainfall on agricultural lands and residential areas. With additional projects planned for Regions Three, Five, and Six, this investment in climate resilience is expected to protect farmland and infrastructure across Guyana.

Guyana’s Passport and Visa Demand Surges as Interest in the Country Grows

The Guyana Consulate in New York has seen a sharp rise in passport applications and visitor visas, signaling increased interest in both travel and relocation to Guyana. Nearly 10,000 Guyanese passports were issued in 2024, up from previous years, while visitor visas also surged from 29 in 2022 to 125 in 2024. Consul General Michael Brotherson attributes this trend to Guyana’s growing appeal as an investment and tourism destination. Meanwhile, Guyana is set to introduce a modernized passport with a 10-year validity, enhancing travel convenience.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (Startups & Small Businesses)

1. Solar Energy Installation & Maintenance Training

   • Opportunity: The government’s GUYSOL programme is rolling out large-scale solar farms, and there's a growing demand for solar technicians—especially given the plan to train 50 women in solar PV installation.

   • Business Idea: Offer private solar installation training programs for individuals and businesses looking to enter the renewable energy space. Partner with the government or GPL to develop accredited courses.

   • Why Now? This aligns with the push for a renewable energy workforce and can benefit from government support. The program could also extend to installing smaller residential or commercial solar systems.

2. Drainage & Irrigation Micro-Contracting Services

   • Opportunity: With mini-excavators distributed to local NDCs, drainage and irrigation maintenance is a high-priority government focus. However, smaller-scale businesses may still lack access to efficient services.

   • Business Idea: A local service that provides additional excavation and drainage support for homes, farms, and businesses. Offer services like canal clearing, small-scale land leveling, and trench maintenance.

   • Why Now? The government is covering fuel and maintenance, but local NDCs will need operators and subcontractors to efficiently manage community projects. This is an easy entry point for a small business owner with excavation expertise.

3. Security & Surveillance for High-Risk Businesses

   • Opportunity: With incidents like the robbery of a money changer on America Street, demand for private security solutions is evident. Small businesses and vendors remain vulnerable to theft and violent crime.

   • Business Idea: Launch a low-cost subscription-based security service for small businesses, including panic buttons, GPS-tracked cash pickups, and small CCTV solutions that integrate with mobile apps.

   • Why Now? Many small business owners, including vendors and money changers, do not have affordable, tech-enabled security options. There’s a clear need for cost-effective and accessible crime prevention tools.

Medium Enterprises (Scaling Businesses & Growth-Stage Startups)

1. Solar Panel Importation & Distribution

   • Opportunity: With solar projects scaling up, the demand for solar panels, inverters, and backup battery systems is growing.

   • Business Idea: Become a distributor of commercial and residential solar solutions, catering to businesses and homes looking to reduce grid dependence. You could partner with local electricians for installation services.

   • Why Now? Guyana is actively investing in solar, and infrastructure projects will create ripple demand for smaller-scale energy solutions in homes and businesses.

2. Excavation & Land Development Services

   • Opportunity: The government’s investment in drainage infrastructure suggests long-term demand for land development services across farming and real estate sectors.

   • Business Idea: A medium-scale excavation business focused on land preparation for agriculture, commercial development, and roadworks. This could involve renting mini-excavators, trench diggers, and bulldozers to private farms and construction projects.

   • Why Now? The government is focusing on empowering NDCs, but private sector projects (like residential developments and large-scale farming) still require independent excavation services.

3. Renewable Energy-Powered Cold Storage & Logistics

   • Opportunity: Businesses in agriculture and seafood exports suffer from high refrigeration costs due to unreliable electricity. The expansion of solar opens up new ways to cut operational costs.

   • Business Idea: Develop solar-powered cold storage units for farmers, fish exporters, and retail chains. These units would allow businesses to store perishable goods at a lower cost while being grid-independent.

   • Why Now? Guyana’s export markets are growing, and businesses must modernize to compete. Solar-powered cold storage reduces spoilage and energy costs, making it an attractive investment for food suppliers.

Large Enterprises (High-Capital & Scalable Ventures)

1. Large-Scale Solar Farm Development & PPA Agreements

   • Opportunity: The Onderneeming Solar Farm is a clear indication that government-backed solar projects are accelerating. While this farm serves Essequibo, other regions will need similar developments.

   • Business Idea: Develop a private-sector-led solar farm and negotiate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with GPL or private industrial clients. Partner with international solar firms for funding and technical expertise.

   • Why Now? The success of GUYSOL will encourage more renewable investments. Private players can enter the market by offering independent power solutions to industries that need energy security.

2. Nationwide Private Drainage & Irrigation Infrastructure Firm

   • Opportunity: The government is funding mini-excavators for local use, but national-scale projects (agriculture expansion, new housing developments) require larger, more advanced solutions.

   • Business Idea: A large-scale private-sector land reclamation and flood management company. This could involve dredging, deep-water trenching, and waterway management contracts.

   • Why Now? Climate change and rapid urbanization are making efficient water management critical. Private firms could contract directly with developers, the agriculture ministry, and private investors.

3. Retail-Integrated Security & Cash Transport Services

   • Opportunity: With increased crime against cash-heavy businesses, major retail outlets and vendors need a robust security solution beyond just on-premise guards.

   • Business Idea: A scalable armored transport service, partnered with banks and large commercial retailers, offering a cash collection, tracking, and secure vaulting system.

   • Why Now? The rise in armed robberies suggests a growing need for secure financial logistics. Businesses want to reduce risk exposure while ensuring faster, safer banking processes.

Final Thoughts

Today’s developments in solar energy, drainage infrastructure, and security risks present immediate opportunities across various business sizes.

• Small businesses should focus on niche security services, micro-contracting, and training programs.

• Medium enterprises can scale in renewable energy supply chains, land development, and logistics solutions.

• Large enterprises can lead the way in renewable infrastructure, private-sector drainage contracts, and financial security services.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Fast-Track Solar Installation & Maintenance Services ☀️🔧

The Opportunity:

With the Onderneeming solar farm project moving ahead fast, demand for solar solutions will skyrocket. Small businesses, homeowners, and even large farms will want to reduce electricity costs by installing off-grid or backup solar systems.

The Side Hustle:

• Get basic training in solar panel installation and maintenance (free online courses + hands-on practice).

• Start by offering small-scale solar installations for shops, homes, and farms looking for backup power or lower bills.

• Focus on rural areas where electricity is unreliable, helping businesses and homeowners save on fuel costs for generators.

• Offer monthly maintenance contracts (GYD $5,000 - $15,000 per month) to ensure systems keep running efficiently.

Why Now?

• Solar is booming in Guyana, but few skilled technicians are available.

• Many small businesses can’t afford full solar systems, but they will pay for incremental upgrades (like solar-powered lights, water pumps, or fridges).

• The government is training women in solar PV installation—you could partner with them to create a team-based, scalable business.

2. Small-Scale Coconut Water Bottling for Offices & Gyms 🥥💦

The Opportunity:

Guyana’s wellness and fitness culture is growing, and coconut water is in high demand among professionals, gym-goers, and office workers. However, most people buy coconuts from street vendors, which is inconvenient and messy.

The Side Hustle:

• Package fresh coconut water in branded, sealed bottles (500ml or 1L) and deliver to offices, gyms, and health-conscious consumers.

• Partner with local coconut farmers to source fresh coconuts cheaply.

• Offer subscription-based delivery (GYD $3,000 - $6,000 per week per customer) to provide fresh coconut water on a schedule.

• Upsell with premium options like infused coconut water (ginger, turmeric, or lime) to attract more buyers.

Why Now?

• More people are health-conscious and willing to pay for convenience.

• Guyana has tons of coconuts, but no real branded, high-quality bottled options.

• The business scales easily—start with small batches and grow based on demand.

3. High-End Private Taxi & Airport Transfer Service 🚘💼

The Opportunity:

Guyana’s business travel sector is expanding fast with oil executives, diplomats, and high-spending visitors arriving daily. Standard taxis don’t offer premium services, leaving huge gaps in the market for a luxury travel experience.

The Side Hustle:

• Start a pre-booked, high-end taxi service catering to business travelers, corporate executives, and tourists.

• Offer VIP airport transfers with WiFi, bottled water, and professional service.

• Focus on oil industry professionals, expats, and conference visitors who need reliable, comfortable transport.

• Charge premium rates (GYD $10,000 - $20,000 per ride) and develop corporate contracts for regular business.

Why Now?

• Business visitors expect first-class service but often struggle with unreliable taxis.

• With oil money flowing in, more executives and wealthy visitors need a premium transport option.

• Ride-sharing isn’t well-developed in Guyana, so a private, trusted network of VIP drivers could dominate.

Final Thoughts 🚀

These side hustles tap into real gaps in the market, are high-value, and can be scaled up fast.

• Solar Installation & Maintenance meets rising demand for renewable energy.

• Bottled Coconut Water Delivery turns Guyana’s natural resources into premium convenience.

• High-End Private Taxi Service provides business travelers and executives a premium option.