$2.7 Billion Invested to Upgrade 191 Roads in Region Five

The Guyanese government has committed $2.7 billion to upgrade 191 roads across Region Five, part of a broader national infrastructure plan to improve the quality of life and boost economic development. The upgrades, spanning 33 villages, mark an unprecedented scale of work in the region. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, stressed the government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure and empowering women and youth by promoting inclusivity in development efforts. This massive road rehabilitation project is expected to significantly improve transportation for farmers and local businesses.

Gas-to-Energy Project to Boost Manufacturing in Guyana

The Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project is set to transform Guyana’s manufacturing sector by reducing energy costs and improving the quality of power supplied to factories. Ramsay Ali, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), highlighted the importance of consistent, high-quality energy for local manufacturers, especially those with sensitive equipment. Speaking at the International Business Conference, Ali emphasized that the GtE project will make Guyanese manufacturers more competitive internationally by lowering operational costs. The project, expected to deliver power to the national grid by 2025, is part of a broader initiative to upgrade the energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth for the sector.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

1. Small Enterprises (SE)

A. Hospitality & Tourism Support Services

• Opportunity: With the opening of Guyana’s first boutique hotel, Aiden by Best Western, and the push for increased tourism, small enterprises can tap into auxiliary services for hotels and tourists.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Tour Guide Services: Small guided tours showcasing local culture, wildlife, and nature in Georgetown or the Essequibo region.

    • Cultural Experiences: Offer local artisan workshops or cultural performances in partnership with hotels for guests looking for authentic experiences.

    • Transportation Services: Offering airport shuttle services, city tours, or even boat tours along the country's rivers, targeting the influx of tourists.

B. Road Maintenance Support

• Opportunity: With the $2.7B investment in road infrastructure in Region Five, there is an opportunity for small contractors to offer maintenance and repair services for the roads after construction.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Roadside Assistance Services: A business focused on offering emergency roadside services (tire repair, towing, etc.) along the newly constructed roads could thrive.

    • Construction Equipment Leasing: Start a small enterprise that leases construction equipment (dump trucks, cement mixers, etc.) to contractors working on road construction projects.

C. Eco-Friendly Animal Care Products

• Opportunity: With the Protective Areas Commission (PAC) reaffirming its zero-tolerance for animal cruelty, there is an opportunity to launch a niche business focusing on eco-friendly animal care products.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Sustainable Pet Supplies: Creating or sourcing organic, cruelty-free pet products like shampoos, grooming supplies, and food.

    • Animal Rehabilitation Services: Open a small business focused on rehabilitating abused or abandoned animals in partnership with local animal welfare organizations.

2. Medium Enterprises (ME)

A. Manufacturing Opportunities with the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project

• Opportunity: The GtE Project promises lower and more reliable energy costs, which is critical for improving manufacturing standards in Guyana. Medium-sized enterprises could now expand or diversify their manufacturing operations with less worry about energy costs.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Packaged Food Manufacturing: With better and cheaper energy, local businesses can scale up or start operations to produce processed foods (snacks, beverages) targeting both local and export markets.

    • Renewable Energy Products: Manufacturing components or products related to solar and wind energy systems, which will complement Guyana’s overall energy mix, especially with discussions of using hydro and solar energy alongside the GtE project.

B. Fisheries Supply Chain and Logistics

• Opportunity: The challenges faced by Corentyne fisherfolk regarding licenses to fish in Surinamese waters highlight the need for solutions around the supply chain, logistics, and legal services.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Logistics and Cold Storage Services: Medium-sized businesses could offer refrigerated transport and cold storage for fish and seafood, ensuring products can be stored and moved even as fishermen navigate the licensing issues.

    • Legal Advisory Services: Establish a legal or consultancy firm focused on cross-border business, assisting Guyanese businesses (including fisherfolk) with navigating complex regulatory landscapes between Guyana and Suriname.

C. Hotel & Hospitality Supply Chain

• Opportunity: With the new Aiden hotel and Guyana’s broader goal of attracting 3 million tourists annually by 2030, medium-sized enterprises can step into supplying high-demand products for the hospitality industry.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Local Food and Beverage Supply: Provide locally produced gourmet foods (e.g., dehydrated fruits, organic coffee, wines, and spirits) to hotels. This is especially viable for businesses involved in agribusiness and value-added products.

    • Luxury Furnishings and Décor: Import or locally produce luxury furniture, art, and décor that aligns with the upscale hotel’s modern aesthetic.

3. Large Enterprises (LE)

A. Large-Scale Manufacturing & Export Opportunities

• Opportunity: The GtE project provides a chance for large enterprises to enter or expand in heavy manufacturing industries. The promise of cheap and reliable energy could attract international partnerships or investment in high-energy industries.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Heavy Industry Manufacturing: Consider entering industries like cement production, steel manufacturing, or chemical production, which require a lot of energy and would now be more feasible with improved power infrastructure.

    • Export-Oriented Production Facilities: Large enterprises could build factories for export-focused goods, from processed foods to electronics assembly, leveraging Guyana’s access to CARICOM markets and global shipping routes.

B. Real Estate Development & Commercial Infrastructure

• Opportunity: With the increasing need for tourism infrastructure due to government ambitions of attracting millions of visitors by 2030, and large investments in infrastructure (such as road upgrades), there’s a clear opportunity for real estate development.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Luxury Resorts and Commercial Complexes: Develop large, upscale resorts or mixed-use commercial complexes, particularly along Guyana’s rivers or in new tourism hotspots like Essequibo or Lethem, to cater to growing tourist numbers.

    • Public-Private Infrastructure Partnerships: Collaborate with the government on infrastructure projects, including more road-building ventures or developing essential commercial zones near new roads and tourist areas.

C. Agriculture & Agro-Processing

• Opportunity: Given the energy improvements from the GtE project and challenges in the fishing industry, there is an opportunity for large enterprises to invest in agro-processing and export-focused agricultural industries, especially with Guyana’s fertile land.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Agro-Processing Plants: Large enterprises can set up or expand plants to process local produce (e.g., coconuts, cassava, and fish) for export, leveraging cheaper energy for production and cold storage.

    • High-Tech Agriculture: With improved infrastructure and energy costs, large farms using high-tech agricultural methods (hydroponics, aquaponics) can increase productivity and grow exportable produce, contributing to food security and export potential.

D. Animal Welfare & Conservation Partnerships

• Opportunity: The PAC’s focus on zero-tolerance for animal cruelty could provide large corporations with the chance to engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that align with animal conservation efforts.

  • Potential Ventures:

    • Sponsorship of Conservation Programs: Large corporations, especially those in the tourism or agricultural industries, could sponsor rehabilitation centers for animals or conservation projects as part of CSR programs.

    • Eco-Friendly Certifications: Companies can develop partnerships with eco-labeling and certification bodies to market their products as environmentally friendly and cruelty-free, thus gaining an edge in local and international markets.

Key Strategic Notes:

• Cross-Border Expansion: Given the unresolved fishing license issue, large and medium enterprises in Guyana might look to create strategic alliances with Surinamese firms or work towards building political capital to ease cross-border operations.

• Tourism Focus: All size enterprises should consider aligning with the national push to increase tourism infrastructure, focusing on offering value-added services and products for both visitors and the growing hotel industry.

• Export Potential: As Guyana’s energy costs decrease, businesses should look to expand into export markets by manufacturing products locally, improving their competitiveness internationally, and tapping into global trade agreements.

In summary, today's developments present multiple opportunities across various sectors, particularly in manufacturing, tourism, fisheries, and infrastructure. Each tier of business, from small to large enterprises, has a path forward that capitalizes on these growing sectors in Guyana’s expanding economy.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Eco-Friendly Pet Products and Services

Opportunity: With the Protective Areas Commission (PAC) taking a stronger stance on animal cruelty and promoting animal welfare, there is a growing market for ethical, eco-friendly pet products and services. Guyana’s increasing focus on sustainable development and animal care aligns perfectly with this opportunity.

Side Hustle Concept:

• Eco-Friendly Pet Accessories: Start a side business creating or sourcing eco-friendly pet products like biodegradable poop bags, organic pet food, or cruelty-free grooming products. These items can be sold online or at local pet stores and events.

• Pet Care Services: Offer mobile pet grooming, pet-sitting, or dog-walking services during evenings and weekends, leveraging the growing pet ownership market in urban areas like Georgetown.

Value: The focus on sustainability and animal care aligns with both local trends and the global demand for eco-friendly products. It’s a relatively low-cost business to start with room for growth as awareness increases.

2. Local Experience Curator for Tourists

Opportunity: With the opening of new boutique hotels like Aiden by Best Western and the government’s goal to attract 3 million tourists annually by 2030, there’s a need for unique, local tourism experiences. Travelers today, especially eco-conscious ones, are seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that immerse them in local culture.

Side Hustle Concept:

• Customized Local Experiences: Create curated, weekend experiences for tourists focusing on nature, culture, and adventure. This could range from day trips to local wildlife reserves, river tours, or culinary experiences featuring authentic Guyanese cuisine. These experiences could be booked via platforms like Airbnb Experiences or through partnerships with hotels.

• Cultural Workshops: If you have a particular skill or cultural knowledge (e.g., crafting, cooking, or storytelling), you could offer workshops to tourists looking to engage with local traditions.

Value: This side hustle taps into the growing tourism sector with relatively low upfront costs, leveraging Guyana’s rich culture and natural beauty to offer high-margin, exclusive experiences.

3. Artisanal Dehydrated Foods for Export

Opportunity: With the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) push to lower energy costs through the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, small-scale manufacturing has become more viable. Dehydrated foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, have both local and export potential, especially as interest in healthy, organic, and natural foods rises globally.

Side Hustle Concept:

• Dehydrated Snack Production: Using simple dehydrators, start a side business making high-quality, artisanal dried fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Focus on products like dehydrated pineapple, coconut chips, or cassava crisps, which are abundant in Guyana. These can be sold locally to supermarkets or directly exported to niche markets in North America or Europe.

• Subscription Boxes: For added value, create a monthly subscription box service featuring a variety of local dehydrated snacks, marketed to expatriates or health-conscious consumers in other regions.

Value: This business is low-cost to start, scalable, and has high export potential given Guyana’s growing interest in agro-processing. Dehydrated products have a long shelf life, making them ideal for both local consumption and export markets.

Strategic Thoughts:

• Leverage Digital Platforms: All of these side hustles can be amplified by leveraging online platforms (e.g., social media marketing, Airbnb Experiences, Shopify for e-commerce) to reach both local and international customers, maximizing reach without significant investment.

• Tapping Into Tourism Growth: Guyana’s tourism sector is poised for rapid growth, making any business catering to tourists a potentially high-value side hustle, especially if it focuses on authenticity and sustainability.

• Sustainable and Export-Driven Ventures: Both eco-friendly products and locally produced goods with export potential (like dehydrated foods) are aligned with global trends toward sustainability and health, providing a solid opportunity for scaling.

These side hustle ideas take advantage of the expanding economy, focus on high-value markets like tourism, pet care, and agro-processing, and offer scalability, even for someone starting on a smaller scale.