World Bank Approves $156M Loan for Guyana’s Transport Network

Guyana has secured a US$156 million loan from the World Bank to modernize and improve road infrastructure, making transportation networks more resilient to climate change and improving safety. One of the major projects under this initiative is the rehabilitation of the East Bank Berbice (EBB) Main Access Road, a critical corridor in Region Six. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill confirmed that road safety and drainage improvements will also be key priorities. The World Bank aims to address Guyana’s road vulnerability, especially in coastal areas susceptible to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The funding is expected to accelerate economic activity, enhance trade routes, and improve accessibility to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Demands Urgent Financial Sector Reforms

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has renewed calls for Guyana’s financial sector to modernize and improve efficiency. The Chamber emphasized that outdated banking systems, excessive bureaucracy, and difficulties in accessing capital and foreign exchange are hampering economic growth. The GCCI endorsed Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent criticism of the financial sector’s inefficiencies, urging the Bank of Guyana and local banks to accelerate digital transformation and streamline processes. While legislative steps such as the Security Interests in Movable Property Bill and the Financial Institutions Amendment Bill have been taken to improve access to credit and allow foreign banks to set up in Guyana, businesses are still pushing for greater reforms to support the country’s rapid economic expansion.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Drainage & Infrastructure Support Services for NDCs

   • With the Government equipping NDCs with mini-excavators and committing to future compactor garbage trucks, there is an opportunity for small businesses to offer maintenance, repair, and operational training services for these machines.

   • SMEs can also provide drainage and irrigation services, focusing on small-scale contracts for local governments or private landowners.

2. Digital Banking & Financial Advisory Services

   • The GCCI’s push for banking modernization suggests an opening for financial consultants, fintech startups, or small-scale digital banking service providers.

   • Services like helping businesses digitize payments, educating SMEs on financing options, and assisting with foreign exchange transactions could be highly valuable.

3. Property Compliance & Tax Advisory

   • With Georgetown’s City Council moving ahead with property revaluation, many property owners and small businesses may need assistance in navigating new tax requirements, filing appeals, or restructuring finances.

   • A small business could offer property valuation consulting, tax planning, and legal advisory services, targeting both residential and commercial property owners.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Construction & Road Infrastructure Services

   • The US$156M World Bank funding for Guyana’s transport network will lead to significant road rehabilitation projects.

   • Medium-sized construction firms could bid for subcontracts in paving, drainage, bridge repairs, or supply of construction materials to major contractors handling the roadworks.

2. Waste Management & Recycling Solutions

   • As NDCs receive compactor garbage trucks, there is a growing need for waste collection, recycling services, and landfill management.

   • A medium enterprise could launch a waste-sorting and recycling operation, offering partnerships to local councils to improve waste disposal efficiency.

3. Agri-Tech & Water Management Solutions

   • The CARICOM-led push for better water management in agriculture presents an opportunity for businesses to provide drip irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting setups, and precision agriculture technologies.

   • Medium enterprises could sell, install, and service water management systems for farmers and agricultural cooperatives looking to optimize water use.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Financial Technology & Digital Banking Expansion

   • With the financial sector lagging behind the economy, large enterprises could invest in digital banking solutions, online payment platforms, and financial infrastructure that streamline transactions for businesses and individuals.

   • Potential partnerships with international financial institutions looking to establish operations in Guyana under the new Financial Institutions Amendment Bill.

2. Renewable Energy & Smart Infrastructure

   • Given the large-scale government investments in roads, drainage, and water management, there is a need for sustainable energy solutions for these developments.

   • Large companies could provide solar-powered streetlights, electric vehicle charging stations, and smart infrastructure solutions that improve energy efficiency across new transport projects.

3. Real Estate & Commercial Development in Emerging Areas

   • With City Hall planning property revaluation and Georgetown’s continued urban expansion, there is an opportunity for large developers to invest in commercial real estate, mixed-use developments, and urban renewal projects.

   • High-value investments could be made in warehousing, logistics hubs, or high-rise office spaces, particularly near major infrastructure projects like the East Bank Berbice Road rehabilitation.

Final Thoughts

• SMEs should focus on localized, service-based opportunities that align with government-led infrastructure projects.

• Medium enterprises should seek partnerships with public sector projects and provide scalable, specialized solutions.

• Large enterprises should leverage their capital and influence to dominate high-value markets like fintech, renewable energy, and large-scale construction.

These opportunities reflect Guyana’s rapid economic expansion and the shifting priorities in governance, infrastructure, and finance. The key is to anticipate policy changes and secure early entry into emerging sectors before competition intensifies.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Specialized Machinery Rental & Operation Services

• Opportunity: With the Government equipping Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) with mini-excavators and future garbage compactor trucks, there will be demand for private operators who can rent, service, or assist in operating these machines for additional projects.

• How It Works:

  • If someone has access to financing or a small business loan, they can purchase a used mini-excavator or small-scale construction equipment and rent it to local businesses, farmers, or even NDCs when their machines are overbooked.

  • If they don’t own equipment, they can offer certified operator services on a contract basis to help municipalities and construction firms use these machines effectively.

• Investment Required: Medium (Acquiring equipment or licensing as an operator).

• Scalability: Can expand into a full rental business over time.

2. Property Valuation & Compliance Services

• Opportunity: With Georgetown’s City Council pushing ahead with property revaluation, many property owners will need assistance in assessing their property values, filing disputes, or navigating new tax structures.

• How It Works:

  • People with experience in real estate, accounting, or administration can start offering property valuation reports, tax advisory services, or consultation on property upgrades to ensure compliance with the new tax regulations.

  • Can be done on evenings or weekends, requiring only research and networking with property owners.

  • Partner with real estate agents, surveyors, or tax professionals to create a one-stop property advisory service.

• Investment Required: Low (Just time, knowledge, and basic marketing).

• Scalability: Can evolve into a real estate consulting business.

3. Import & Resale of Niche Agriculture & Water Management Products

• Opportunity: CARICOM is emphasizing better water management practices for farmers, but many small farmers lack access to modern irrigation solutions. This creates a lucrative import-and-resale opportunity for small-scale entrepreneurs.

• How It Works:

  • Identify affordable, high-quality drip irrigation kits, rainwater harvesting barrels, or portable pumps from suppliers in China, India, or Brazil and import them in small batches.

  • Sell these products directly to farmers, greenhouse operators, and rural communities who struggle with water access.

  • Create an Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp storefront to take pre-orders and minimize risk.

  • Partner with local agriculture supply stores to stock or drop-ship products.

• Investment Required: Medium (Initial import costs, but can be started with pre-orders).

• Scalability: Can expand into a full-fledged agriculture supply business.

Final Thoughts

• Each of these side hustles aligns with Guyana’s current economic expansion and infrastructure developments.

• They offer high-value, scalable opportunities that can start as a part-time gig but evolve into profitable standalone businesses.

• The key is getting in early, securing strategic partnerships, and using digital tools to market and sell efficiently.

These side hustles are designed for people who already have full-time jobs but want to build an additional income stream with long-term growth potential.