ENet Celebrated as a Salesforce Success Story at TM Innovate Americas

ENet, Guyana’s leading telecommunications provider, was spotlighted as a success story at the prestigious TM Innovate Americas 2024 event in Dallas, Texas. The event, which focused on how telecom companies are adapting to digital transformation, featured ENet’s CEO Vishok Persaud discussing the company’s innovative journey. ENet has embraced Salesforce’s Communications Cloud, allowing it to scale rapidly, lower costs, and introduce new services to Guyana’s market. ENet, the only 5G provider in Guyana, also boasts the country’s largest fiber backbone and owns Guyana’s only indigenous international subsea cable. This recognition at TM Innovate Americas underscores ENet’s role in revolutionizing Guyana’s telecom industry, making strides in AI, automation, and customer-centric services.

Pepper Shade House Project to Boost Agricultural Exports

Farmers in Region Six are set to benefit from the Pepper Shade House Project, with 70% of the shade houses already constructed. The initiative, supported by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), provides farmers with the infrastructure and materials to grow peppers for local markets and export. The peppers will be processed at the Umami agro-processing facility, which exports to Europe, ensuring steady demand. This project is part of the government’s strategy to promote agricultural innovation and reduce dependence on imports, contributing to Guyana’s broader goal of expanding its agri-export sector.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

For Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Agricultural Processing & Export (Pepper Shade House Project)

   • Opportunity: The Pepper Shade House Project in Region Six presents an opportunity for small enterprises to engage in niche agricultural production and processing. Entrepreneurs can consider starting small-scale agro-processing units to produce value-added products like pepper sauces, dried peppers, or packaged fresh peppers for export.

   • Why It Works: With the government’s focus on providing market access through the Umami agro-processing facility, small-scale producers can secure steady buyers and scale with minimal risk.

   • Next Step: Partner with NAREI or other agricultural bodies to access technical support and leverage government connections for entry into international markets.

2. E-commerce & Technology Solutions (AI Data Center Development)

   • Opportunity: As the GtE project progresses, small tech firms can explore opportunities in cloud services, software development, and local IT solutions to cater to the incoming AI data centers. Providing AI-focused tools, software, or even remote support services for companies setting up in Guyana could be lucrative.

   • Why It Works: The demand for local support services will grow as Guyana positions itself as a hub for AI and tech businesses.

   • Next Step: Establish partnerships with international tech companies to become the local provider of necessary services (e.g., IT infrastructure support, software solutions).

3. Local Artisanal & Craft Markets (Diaspora Investment Conference)

   • Opportunity: The increasing number of diaspora businesses looking to invest in Guyana offers small craft and artisanal producers the chance to enter niche markets by offering locally made goods like handicrafts, artisanal foods, and unique Guyanese products.

   • Why It Works: Diaspora investors often seek authentic local products for both personal consumption and resell abroad. This opens up export opportunities.

   • Next Step: Connect with attendees of the Business and Investment Conference to position your business for cross-border partnerships or as a supplier of unique Guyanese goods to diaspora-owned retail outlets.

For Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Renewable Energy & Solar Power Installations (ICT Project in Hinterland)

   • Opportunity: The government's ICT Access and E-Services project for hinterland and remote communities involves the use of solar-powered ICT hubs. Medium-sized enterprises in the renewable energy sector could seize the opportunity to provide solar installation services, maintenance contracts, and even solar-powered equipment for these hubs.

   • Why It Works: Renewable energy is crucial for infrastructure in remote areas, and there is guaranteed government backing for these projects.

   • Next Step: Form partnerships with government entities (like the Prime Minister's Office or UNDP) to secure long-term contracts for installation and maintenance of these solar systems in rural and hinterland areas.

2. Training & Educational Services (AI Data Center Development)

   • Opportunity: With the imminent growth in AI and data centers, medium-sized companies can offer specialized training programs in artificial intelligence, data science, and cloud computing. There is a need for local talent development to meet the workforce demands of the incoming tech industry.

   • Why It Works: The push to position Guyana as a tech hub by 2030 will require a highly trained workforce, and the government is actively supporting skills development.

   • Next Step: Develop accredited programs in partnership with universities or international certification bodies to train local talent. Offer these programs to students, recent graduates, and professionals looking to upskill.

3. Transport & Logistics (Black Bush Polder Road Construction)

   • Opportunity: With the construction of 87 roads in Black Bush Polder, medium-sized transport and logistics companies can step in to offer transportation services for agricultural goods, raw materials, and equipment throughout the region.

   • Why It Works: Improved infrastructure will boost agricultural production, and businesses will need efficient transportation to move products to markets and ports for export.

   • Next Step: Establish logistics networks within rural areas and offer integrated services for agricultural producers, including cold storage, packaging, and delivery to processing centers or ports.

For Large Enterprises

1. AI Data Center Infrastructure (Gas-to-Energy Project)

   • Opportunity: The upcoming Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project offers large enterprises a significant opportunity to build and operate AI data centers in Guyana. This can include data storage, processing centers, and cloud computing hubs for regional and international clients.

   • Why It Works: Guyana’s strategic geographic location and reduced energy costs make it an attractive destination for data-heavy industries like AI. Large enterprises can lead in this new market with advanced infrastructure.

   • Next Step: Invest in land and infrastructure near the GtE site and partner with the government to develop large-scale data centers that service the Caribbean and Latin America.

2. Telecommunications Expansion (ICT Hubs and ENet Partnership)

   • Opportunity: With ENet’s push to become a telecommunications leader in the region, large enterprises can explore telecommunications infrastructure investments by partnering with ENet or entering the market with advanced services, such as 5G expansion, fiber-optic networks, and IoT solutions.

   • Why It Works: The ICT revolution in hinterland and rural areas provides ample room for growth, especially in internet services, smart city initiatives, and digital infrastructure.

   • Next Step: Leverage existing expertise in telecoms to support the expansion of rural connectivity in Guyana, aligning with government projects.

3. Construction & Development (AI Data Centers & Rural Infrastructure)

   • Opportunity: As Guyana continues to expand its infrastructure, particularly with roads, telecom, and energy, large construction firms can take advantage of government contracts for the construction of AI data centers, telecom infrastructure, and new urban developments in rural areas.

   • Why It Works: The large-scale construction of new roads, data centers, and support facilities opens significant business for large-scale construction and infrastructure firms. Opportunities also exist in green building and smart infrastructure.

   • Next Step: Bid on government tenders related to national infrastructure projects or form joint ventures with international construction firms looking to enter the Guyanese market.

General Thoughts for All Enterprises

• Partnerships are Key: In Guyana’s evolving economy, partnering with international players (like Salesforce, ENet, and UNDP) or securing government contracts will be crucial for growth.

• Sustainability: The government’s focus on sustainability, such as solar-powered ICT hubs, means businesses in renewables and green tech have a strong opportunity to align with national development goals.

• Leverage Diaspora Engagement: As diaspora businesses show interest in returning to Guyana, all enterprise sizes should seek partnerships or export opportunities by leveraging diaspora networks.

These opportunities present ways for enterprises of all sizes to align with Guyana’s rapid development trajectory, particularly in areas like tech, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Luxury Concierge Services for Expats and Oil Workers

• What It Is: With the influx of foreign workers and expats due to Guyana’s oil boom, offering a personal concierge service can be lucrative. Services could include private transport, personal shopping, organizing weekend getaways to eco-tourism spots, or even handling day-to-day tasks like laundry or home maintenance for high-earning expats and oil industry workers.

• Why It Works: Many expatriates and oil workers earn high incomes but may not have the time or knowledge to navigate local services. By providing a premium, reliable service, you can cater to a niche clientele with a willingness to pay for convenience and comfort.

• Startup Requirements: Minimal upfront investment for marketing and networking, a small vehicle for transport, or partnerships with existing service providers.

2. Agri-Tech Side Business: Hydroponics or Pepper Shade House

• What It Is: Start a small-scale hydroponics farm or pepper shade house using limited space to grow high-demand crops like peppers, herbs, or vegetables. These can be sold to local markets, restaurants, or for export. Leveraging existing initiatives, such as the Pepper Shade House Project, can help lower startup costs while securing a market.

• Why It Works: As Guyana pushes towards food sustainability and agricultural exports, niche farming through innovative techniques like hydroponics can yield high-value crops with low resource input. This side hustle is scalable based on demand and can fit around regular working hours.

• Startup Requirements: Basic equipment for hydroponics or a shade house, initial investment in seeds/plants, and access to water. Guidance and support from government agricultural bodies like NAREI can help reduce costs.

3. Eco-Tourism Experiences for High-Income Tourists

• What It Is: Develop small, curated eco-tourism experiences such as private bird-watching tours, river kayaking, or cultural heritage trips for wealthy tourists, oil workers, or foreign investors. These could be half-day or weekend activities that highlight Guyana’s unique environment and culture.

• Why It Works: Guyana’s eco-tourism is underexploited, yet it has a lot of potential due to its rich biodiversity. Offering high-end, tailored experiences can attract tourists willing to pay a premium for unique, authentic activities. These tours can be run on weekends or during your off-time from a full-time job.

• Startup Requirements: Knowledge of local tourist spots and natural resources, connections with local guides, and access to basic tour equipment like binoculars, boats, or vehicles. Marketing to expats and tourists via social media or partnerships with hotels can kickstart the business.

These side hustles align with the country’s booming economy and target high-value niches, making them perfect for those with full-time jobs looking to boost their income without massive upfront costs.