EU Urges Guyanese Businesses to Tap Into Duty-Free Market

The European Union is encouraging Guyanese manufacturers and exporters to take full advantage of duty- and tariff-free access to the EU market under the CARICOM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. EU Ambassador René van Nes acknowledged regulatory challenges but emphasized available training programs to help businesses meet EU sanitary and food standards. Amid shifting global trade dynamics—including increased U.S. tariffs—Guyana is being urged to diversify exports and strengthen its position in global trade.

Government Unveils $18.5B Investment Plan for TVET

To combat skilled labor shortages in key industries, the Guyanese government is rolling out a massive $18.5 billion investment over three years to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The new national policy, developed with World Bank support, will focus on modernizing institutions, aligning curricula with emerging sectors like oil and gas, and improving continuous learning nationwide. The initiative is expected to help meet a projected shortfall of over 47,000 workers by 2028.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

SMALL ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Cybersecurity & Fraud Awareness Training Services

• Context: The MMG scam and $36M bank fraud case highlight growing cyber threats.

• Opportunity: Offer affordable training workshops, downloadable e-guides, and in-person sessions for small businesses and everyday consumers, focused on recognizing fraud, securing mobile money accounts, and safe digital habits.

• Notes: Partner with community organizations or banks (like GBTI or Republic Bank) for legitimacy and access to a customer base. Could scale into school programs or employee onboarding modules.

2. Traffic Violation Dispute & E-ticketing Assistance

• Context: GRA’s Padna app is launching a new e-ticketing system, which includes automated notifications, payment integration, and real-time images.

• Opportunity: Launch a micro-business helping motorists understand, dispute, or pay their tickets. This could be a kiosk-based service in transport hubs or a mobile app/WhatsApp-based support bot.

• Notes: Many drivers may not be tech-savvy or may not have smartphones. Serve the “informal sector” with a human-assisted tech model.

3. Local Content Procurement for NDC & Municipal Projects

• Context: Jagdeo’s announcement of a 6x increase in subventions to NDCs and municipalities creates sudden demand for services.

• Opportunity: Start a small civil works, maintenance, or landscaping business targeting these contracts. Services can include pothole patching, drainage clearing, and general maintenance.

• Notes: Register with the Ministry of Local Government to be on the list of pre-approved small vendors. Start with one region and build from there.

MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. BPO Recruitment & Workforce Management Services

• Context: The BPO sector is facing high absenteeism and poor retention, despite job availability.

• Opportunity: Establish a workforce management agency offering recruitment, pre-training, and attendance tracking solutions specifically for BPO operators.

• Notes: Position as a value-added HR partner. Include soft skills, attendance incentives, and perhaps even on-site monitoring tech. You could offer outsourced HR management as a subscription service.

2. Electric & Civil Engineering Contracting (DBIS Expansion Projects)

• Context: The US$422M DBIS grid upgrade includes 320+ km of transmission lines and multiple substations.

• Opportunity: Partner as a subcontractor to Power China or Kalpatary Teams for civil works, transportation, trenching, tower erection, or material logistics.

• Notes: This requires technical capability and registration with GPL or GEA. Quick wins could be found in civil groundwork, road access development, or staffing support.

3. Mobile Payments Integration for Local Government Services

• Context: GRA is digitizing services through the Padna app, and municipalities now have higher budgets.

• Opportunity: Offer MMG-integrated payment systems for small municipalities or NDCs to enable online payments for garbage collection, small fines, and community taxes.

• Notes: This is a scalable SaaS model. White-label solutions could be built using MMG’s API once you’re approved. Digital literacy workshops could also be bundled in.

LARGE ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. AI Integration for Government & Infrastructure Projects

• Context: President Ali’s call for AI investment funds and digital leapfrogging for developing nations opens major opportunity.

• Opportunity: Launch or expand a Guyana-based AI development division focused on public infrastructure, traffic monitoring, and energy grid optimization.

• Notes: Propose PPPs (Public-Private Partnerships) with the GoG in areas like smart utility billing, energy usage forecasting, or road analytics. Strong opportunity to attract international investment or donor funds aligned with the AI Development Fund Ali proposed.

2. Utility-Scale Engineering & Manufacturing Partnerships

• Context: Over $422M in infrastructure contracts signed for the energy sector. GPL is transitioning to long-term gas-based energy systems.

• Opportunity: Build or partner in a local engineering and manufacturing base to supply parts, electrical hardware, or construction support services for transmission and distribution networks.

• Notes: Consider a JV with Indian or Chinese engineering firms with local assembly facilities in Guyana. Huge value in supplying prefabricated materials, switchgear, or concrete foundations.

3. AI & Innovation-Focused Venture Capital or Accelerator Fund

• Context: President Ali’s speech at UC Berkeley emphasized the role of open AI and innovation in developing countries.

• Opportunity: Establish a venture fund or innovation lab in Georgetown focused on tech startups, AI tools for agriculture, fintech, govtech, and education.

• Notes: First-mover advantage exists. Aligning with regional universities and Silicon Valley partners could allow for access to low-cost tech talent and early-stage ventures across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Document Prep & Online Registration Assistant

Based on: Expansion of the Padna app, new e-ticketing system, and ongoing digitization of government services.

What it is: A freelance side hustle helping people prepare, upload, and manage their documents for online government platforms (GRA, MMG, GPL, etc.). You assist with filing taxes, traffic ticket payments, or online registrations — especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy or don’t have consistent access to internet or smartphones.

Why it works: There’s a digital divide. Many Guyanese (especially older citizens or those in rural areas) need tech help but don’t want to visit government offices. With new digital systems coming online, demand will grow.

Tools needed: A smartphone or laptop, mobile data, and basic document editing apps. Can work evenings or weekends from home or visit clients.

Upsell potential: Offer MMG setup, WhatsApp reminder services, or paper-to-digital conversions for a fee.

2. BPO Work-Readiness Coach (Micro-Training & Support Service)

Based on: Labour shortages and performance issues in the BPO sector, including absenteeism and lack of punctuality.

What it is: A weekend or after-hours micro-coaching business offering 1-on-1 or group prep sessions for people looking to work in call centres. Focus on professionalism, time management, headset etiquette, and sample scripts.

Why it works: Hundreds of people are being laid off or rehired. BPO companies are desperate for dependable staff. Many job seekers have the raw ability but need polish to land or keep the job.

Tools needed: A small rented space, Zoom, or even a WhatsApp group. You could offer in-person or hybrid coaching on weekends or evenings.

Pricing model: Charge $5,000–$10,000 GYD per person for a two-hour group prep workshop. Can include a resume tip sheet and mock interview.

3. NDC/Municipal Services Micro-Contractor

Based on: The massive increase in local government subventions (now $30M–$50M per LAA).

What it is: A lean weekend/after-work operation that bids on small maintenance or service projects for your local NDC or municipality. You can offer pothole patching, drain cleaning, painting, signage replacement, or bush clearing.

Why it works: Local authorities are suddenly flush with cash but lack manpower. They’ll need reliable micro-contractors they can call without complex procurement. Perfect for someone with tools, a few hours, and a willingness to do hands-on work.

How to start: Get listed at your NDC or municipal office. Show a basic proposal, offer fast turnaround, and build trust. You can start solo or with one helper.

Extra tip: Use weekends and holidays for service delivery. Scale with part-time help if it grows.