Harris Paints Unveils $30M Manufacturing Plant in Guyana

Harris Paints Guyana celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and flagship Pro Paint Centre at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. The 10,000-square-foot facility will enhance production capacity, meeting the growing demand for customized, high-quality paint products locally and regionally. The plant incorporates eco-friendly practices like rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment while creating over 20 new jobs in manufacturing, retail, and support. Harris Paints’ expansion underscores its commitment to Guyana’s economic growth and sustainability, positioning the company as a regional leader in the paint industry.

GBTI Launches Division to Boost Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

In a landmark move, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) has opened a new branch in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Dubbed GBTI GROW, this initiative provides sector-specific financing for retail, agriculture, manufacturing, and commercial vehicles. The division also offers specialized loans and digital banking solutions tailored to SMBs. Addressing the launch, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh highlighted a 58% growth in private-sector credit since 2020, emphasizing the need for accessible financing for SMBs. The new branch is set to play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship in Guyana.

Business Opportunities Based on Today's Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Eco-Friendly Maintenance Services

   • Opportunity: Establish a business specializing in eco-friendly road maintenance and construction support services. The ongoing Aubrey Barker Road and other infrastructure projects require consistent maintenance to handle heavy vehicle traffic and reduce community disruptions.

   • Notes: Partner with contractors to offer affordable maintenance services like road grading, filling potholes, and dust control using sustainable materials. This could align with the growing demand for sustainability in construction.

2. Hinterland Workforce Training

   • Opportunity: Launch a micro-enterprise focused on providing basic skills training for residents in hinterland areas, especially in construction, nursing, and healthcare services. With the $5.4 billion Kato Hospital under development, local manpower will be in demand.

   • Notes: Use mobile or remote training modules tailored to the skills needed for specific projects like hospital construction or maintenance. Potential to expand into government contracts for workforce development.

3. Custom Paint and Décor Services

   • Opportunity: Partner with Harris Paints’ new manufacturing plant to offer bespoke painting and décor services for small homes and businesses. Focus on customization using their high-quality, eco-friendly paint solutions.

   • Notes: Target the rapidly expanding housing and commercial spaces on the East Coast Demerara, capitalizing on Harris Paints’ brand strength and the growing market.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Construction and Logistics for Hinterland Projects

   • Opportunity: Provide subcontracting services for large-scale projects like the Kato Hospital or Aubrey Barker Road expansion. Services could include transport logistics for materials, temporary workforce housing, and equipment rentals.

   • Notes: Ensure operations are environmentally friendly and comply with hinterland community standards to secure partnerships with government-backed projects.

2. Wildlife and Sustainable Tourism

   • Opportunity: Develop ecotourism packages in South Rupununi, focusing on wildlife conservation and sustainable hunting practices. Collaborate with local communities and conservation groups to offer guided tours, educational programs, and cultural experiences.

   • Notes: Partner with South Rupununi Conservation Society and local leaders to build trust and ensure a sustainable model. Explore grant opportunities for conservation-focused businesses.

3. Local Manufacturing Partnerships

   • Opportunity: Partner with Harris Paints to create value-added products like pre-painted building materials, customized industrial coatings, or specialty finishes for commercial and residential projects.

   • Notes: Medium-sized enterprises can leverage Harris Paints’ ISO-certified processes to enhance the quality of their offerings and access regional export markets.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Renewable Energy Solutions

   • Opportunity: Invest in solar, wind, and hydropower solutions tailored to large-scale infrastructure projects like the Kato Hospital and the natural gas plant. Provide hybrid energy systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and align with global sustainability trends.

   • Notes: Secure government or IDB funding for renewable energy integration. Focus on offering cost-efficient, scalable solutions for both public and private sectors.

2. Healthcare Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: Engage in public-private partnerships (PPPs) to construct and manage hospitals, living quarters for healthcare staff, or supply advanced medical equipment for the Kato Hospital or other planned facilities.

   • Notes: With Guyana prioritizing healthcare access, this sector offers stable, long-term growth. Leverage international expertise to secure contracts and enhance project efficiency.

3. Regional Paint and Coating Manufacturing

   • Opportunity: Collaborate with Harris Paints to establish a regional hub for high-performance coatings, focusing on industrial sectors like oil and gas, marine, and infrastructure.

   • Notes: The proximity to burgeoning oil and gas activities offers significant demand for protective coatings and specialized paints. Partner with Harris Paints to optimize production for export to Latin America and the Caribbean.

General Notes Across Categories

• Government Collaboration: Many opportunities are tied to state-backed projects, so building relationships with government agencies and local leaders is crucial.

• Sustainability: Integrating eco-friendly practices in any business strategy will likely increase appeal and funding opportunities.

• Training and Local Inclusion: All sectors should focus on training locals and fostering inclusivity to gain community support and long-term success.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Eco-Friendly Transport and Delivery Services

• What It Is: Create a small-scale eco-friendly delivery service catering to remote areas or busy city centers, using bicycles or small electric vehicles.

• Why It Works: With infrastructure projects like the Aubrey Barker Road expansion and the growing need for quick, reliable logistics, there's room for localized delivery services. Small businesses and individuals are increasingly reliant on convenient transportation for goods, groceries, or even documents.

• How to Start:

  • Invest in one or two electric bikes or small vehicles.

  • Partner with local businesses, small grocers, or pharmacies.

  • Market yourself as a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to larger delivery services.

2. Customized Home Décor and Maintenance Services

• What It Is: Offer specialized home improvement services, focusing on affordable painting, wall art, or small maintenance projects tailored to Guyana’s growing housing market.

• Why It Works: With Harris Paints opening a new plant and the rising demand for modernized homes, there's an opportunity to offer unique painting services, including custom color palettes, murals, or textured wall finishes, alongside minor home repairs.

• How to Start:

  • Partner with Harris Paints to access materials and gain expertise.

  • Offer weekend or evening services to homeowners with busy schedules.

  • Market your business through social media platforms and word of mouth, emphasizing quick turnaround and affordable pricing.

3. Guided Rural Tourism Experiences

• What It Is: Create weekend rural tours for city dwellers or visitors, offering curated trips to places like South Rupununi, focusing on wildlife, traditional crafts, and local cuisine.

• Why It Works: With concerns over wildlife conservation and the rise of ecotourism, there is demand for authentic, small-group experiences that support local communities while educating people on sustainability.

• How to Start:

  • Partner with local community leaders and conservation groups to create unique itineraries.

  • Use weekends to guide small groups of tourists or families.

  • Focus on low-cost, high-value experiences like hikes, wildlife watching, and teaching visitors about traditional practices such as cassava bread-making.

General Tips for Success

• Leverage Social Media: Use Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote services, showcasing testimonials and photos of your work or tours.

• Keep Overheads Low: Focus on ideas that require minimal upfront investment and make use of available resources.

• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations and businesses to build trust and expand your reach.