Yarrowkabra Women Launch Sustainable Briquette Project

A group of women in Yarrowkabra is pioneering a shift to sustainable charcoal production with a UNDP-backed briquette project. The initiative repurposes fine coal waste into eco-friendly, high-efficiency briquettes, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional charcoal. With 33 female members leading the charge, the project is expected to create jobs and expand economic opportunities in the community while promoting environmental sustainability.

Guyana’s Infrastructure Boom: New Highway and Port Planned

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced plans for a new highway connecting the soon-to-be-completed Demerara Harbour Bridge to Wales on the West Bank of Demerara. This development is expected to open thousands of acres of land for housing, agriculture, and commercial activity. Additionally, a modern port will be constructed at Parika to facilitate direct exports to the Caribbean, enhancing trade opportunities for local farmers. The government is also planning a second power plant on the western side of the Demerara River, further supporting Guyana’s rapid economic expansion.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SE) Opportunities

1. Eco-Friendly Briquette Production & Distribution

   • With the Yarrowkabra women pioneering a briquette project, there is a gap for small businesses to distribute, retail, or provide complementary products like customized packaging or fire-starting kits.

   • Restaurants and caterers may prefer a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional charcoal.

   • Opportunity to export eco-friendly briquettes to Caribbean nations with growing sustainability concerns.

2. Lottery & Gaming Agent Business

   • The Guyana Lottery Company’s launch of Play4 presents opportunities for new lottery sales agents and retail partnerships in underserved areas.

   • Mobile top-up and gaming kiosks could bundle lottery sales with mobile money transactions for increased revenue.

   • Consider offering digital lottery ticket sales via an app or third-party platform for convenience.

3. Locally-Sourced Poultry Processing & Retail

   • The expansion of poultry production in Region Nine signals a demand for small-scale processing, storage, and sales outlets.

   • Small enterprises can partner with local farmers to offer fresh, farm-to-table poultry in urban areas.

   • A poultry home-delivery service or pre-seasoned frozen product line could tap into the growing demand for convenience foods.

Medium Enterprises (ME) Opportunities

1. Fisheries Supply & Processing Business

   • The GYD $300M investment in Mon Repos’ landing site modernization presents new business prospects for fish processing, value-added seafood products, and export-focused businesses.

   • Medium enterprises can establish cold storage facilities or export hubs to tap into Caribbean and South American seafood markets.

   • Logistics and transport services for fisherfolk to deliver fresh produce directly to restaurants and supermarkets.

2. Heavy-Duty Equipment Rentals & Maintenance

   • With 74 new heavy-duty operators being trained, there will be rising demand for equipment leasing, servicing, and spare parts.

   • Start an operator placement service that connects certified drivers with companies needing skilled labor.

   • Provide customized training programs to help businesses meet new compliance standards.

3. Sustainable Packaging for Briquettes & Poultry

   • As sustainable briquettes and improved poultry processing gain traction, businesses specializing in biodegradable or branded packaging solutions can capitalize on the trend.

   • Offer custom-labeled bags for eco-friendly charcoal and fresh poultry for niche and export markets.

   • Develop smart packaging solutions that extend shelf life and improve product visibility.

Large Enterprises (LE) Opportunities

1. Renewable Energy & Infrastructure for Fisheries & Poultry

   • The Mon Repos landing site upgrade and poultry industry expansion indicate a need for sustainable energy solutions.

   • Large enterprises can invest in solar-powered cold storage, hybrid refrigeration units, or off-grid fish processing plants.

   • Develop PPP (Public-Private Partnerships) to introduce government-backed renewable projects.

2. Health & Diagnostic Centers for Prostate Cancer Screening

   • The government’s nationwide prostate cancer screening program signals demand for private-sector diagnostic labs, mobile screening units, and telemedicine solutions.

   • Large businesses in healthcare could partner with the government to expand specialized medical services across rural Guyana.

   • Develop digital health platforms that allow patients to book screenings and receive consultations remotely.

3. Commercial Real Estate for Small-Scale Poultry & Briquette Manufacturing

   • The growth in poultry processing and sustainable fuel alternatives suggests a need for well-equipped production spaces.

   • Large-scale developers could convert industrial spaces into specialized facilities for poultry and eco-briquette businesses.

   • Offer built-to-suit leasing agreements for businesses looking to expand operations with minimal upfront investment.

Final Thoughts

• Sector Synergies: Many of these opportunities overlap. For example, a cold storage company could serve both the poultry and fisheries industries.

• Government Support: Businesses should align with government policies on sustainability, health, and infrastructure to access grants, incentives, or tax breaks.

• Digital Integration: Many of these sectors would benefit from digital tools, mobile apps, or e-commerce integration for a competitive edge.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Sustainable Charcoal Briquette Reseller & Distributor

Why it Works:

• The Yarrowkabra briquette project is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional charcoal, and demand for cleaner-burning fuel sources is growing.

• Restaurants, street food vendors, and households are actively looking for more sustainable options that produce less smoke and last longer.

• The project is receiving grant support, making the product affordable for resellers.

How to Start:

• Partner with the Yarrowkabra Coal Burners Association to become a reseller or bulk distributor in urban centers like Georgetown and Berbice.

• Offer bundled deals to BBQ vendors, food stalls, and eco-conscious households.

• Explore social media marketing to tap into the growing eco-friendly movement.

Scalability:

• Start with small orders and reinvest profits to expand into bigger bulk orders, export potential, and packaging upgrades.

• Over time, partner with supermarkets and home delivery services for wider reach.

2. Mobile Prostate & General Health Screening Agent

Why it Works:

• The government is launching a national prostate cancer screening initiative, but not everyone will go to a clinic on their own.

• People in remote or busy areas need health screenings at their doorstep or workplace.

• Guyana’s growing middle class and expatriate community demand private, fast, and convenient health services.

How to Start:

• Partner with private labs, medical professionals, or mobile clinics to bring screening services to businesses, offices, and communities.

• Offer appointment bookings via WhatsApp or a simple website for busy professionals who want fast, discreet testing.

• Market this as an early detection and wellness service to corporate offices, industrial workers, and large organizations.

Scalability:

• Start with pop-up screenings at workplaces and expand into home testing kits, wellness consultations, and corporate health plans.

• Eventually, introduce subscription-based health monitoring services for premium customers.

3. Premium Lottery Syndicate & Betting Advisory

Why it Works:

• The Guyana Lottery Company just launched Play4, a new high-stakes game, and lottery participation is increasing as disposable income rises.

• Many people lack the time or expertise to strategize their bets or maximize their odds.

• A syndicate (group betting system) reduces risk while increasing the potential for wins, attracting busy professionals who want to play but don’t want to do the work.

How to Start:

• Form a small, trustworthy lottery syndicate where each participant contributes a set amount, and winnings are split among members.

• Offer a subscription model where members get their bets placed automatically, with data-backed number strategies to maximize odds.

• Use WhatsApp or a simple app to track and manage syndicate contributions and winnings.

Scalability:

• Expand into a "number advisory" service, helping high-stakes players analyze past results and play smarter.

• Over time, add online tracking, automatic play, and financial management tools to make the process seamless.

Final Thoughts:

1. Each of these side hustles taps into a growing market opportunity.

2. They require low upfront investment but can scale significantly.

3. They are designed for people with jobs who want an extra revenue stream without quitting their main work.

With Guyana’s fast-expanding economy, these ideas position individuals to capitalize on new trends and changing consumer behaviors.