Government Allocates $112.6 Billion for Housing Expansion

Guyana’s housing boom continues, with the government planning to allocate over 15,000 house lots by mid-2025 and establish 20 new housing developments across multiple regions. The $112.6 billion investment aims to accelerate homeownership, boost construction, and create business opportunities in real estate, infrastructure, and home services. The initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to distribute 50,000 house lots by 2025, is expected to drive demand for materials, labor, and financial services in the country’s rapidly growing economy.

Drone Delivery to Transform Healthcare in Guyana’s Hinterland

A groundbreaking medical drone delivery project is set to launch in Guyana’s remote regions, ensuring faster and more efficient healthcare supply chains. Led by IDB Lab and 19Labs, this initiative will serve over 20,000 people by delivering essential medical supplies to 15 telemedicine centers. The long-range drone system, capable of covering 100 km per trip, will reduce waste and improve stock management. The move signals a major step in tech-driven healthcare solutions, with potential applications in emergency response, logistics, and e-commerce in rural Guyana.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise (SE)

Small businesses should focus on high-demand services that are essential for everyday consumers, growing industries, and national development plans.

1. Construction-Adjacent Services (House Cleaning, Interior Design & Furniture Supply)

Why? The government is investing $112.6 billion in housing, with 15,000+ house lots and 20 new developments by mid-2025. This means a surge in new homeowners who need finishing services.
Opportunities:

• Post-construction cleanup services for new homeowners.

• Affordable interior design and furniture rental tailored to middle-class buyers.

• Landscaping services for newly built properties.

Notes: Target affordable, functional, and aesthetic home solutions for new homeowners who have spent on construction and are looking for budget-friendly finishing touches.

2. Cooking Gas Cylinder Inspection & Safety Consultancy

Why? The multi-agency safety probe into gas cylinders will likely lead to stricter safety standards and new business regulations.
Opportunities:

• Mobile gas cylinder inspection and certification service for households and businesses.

• Safety training workshops for gas retailers, restaurants, and food vendors.

• Retail sales of certified gas valves, detectors, and safety accessories.

Notes: Target households, food vendors, and restaurants who will need compliance services to continue using gas safely. This is a low-cost startup with recurring revenue potential.

3. Digital Trade Assistance for CARIFORUM-UK Agreement

Why? The UK and CARIFORUM renewed trade commitments to remove market access barriers. However, many small businesses struggle with exporting due to logistics and compliance issues.
Opportunities:

• Freelance trade consultancy for local SMEs looking to export products to the UK.

• E-commerce listing service for Guyanese products on Amazon UK and UK-based marketplaces.

• Export documentation and logistics management for small businesses entering the UK market.

Notes: Partner with agriculture and craft producers who export rum, sugar, rice, and handmade goods. This is a service-based business with minimal overhead costs.

Medium Enterprise (ME)

These businesses should leverage existing infrastructure and capital to scale operations and serve growing market needs.

1. Affordable Housing & Prefabricated Home Development

Why? The government’s plan for 50,000+ new house lots by 2025 means demand for cost-effective, quick-build housing solutions will soar.
Opportunities:

• Prefab home manufacturing – offering quick assembly homes for first-time buyers.

• Home construction financing assistance – providing flexible installment plans for new homeowners.

• Green energy housing solutions – solar panel installation and energy-efficient home design for new communities.

Notes: Focus on affordable, sustainable homes priced for first-time buyers. Government contracts and public-private partnerships are significant opportunities.

2. Logistics & Cold Chain Supply for Hinterland Healthcare

Why? Drones will deliver medical supplies to 20,000+ residents in remote areas, signaling a shift toward modern logistics solutions.
Opportunities:

• Cold storage and last-mile distribution of medical supplies, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals.

• Rural healthcare delivery services – private motorbike or van-based medical logistics.

• Local drone operation and maintenance services for government and private medical deliveries.

Notes: Government support for tech-driven healthcare logistics is strong, and partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and hospitals can provide long-term contracts.

3. Eco-Tourism & Outdoor Recreation at Blue Lake (Linden)

Why? The Linden Town Council is taking over security at Blue Lake, opening doors for tourism business development.
Opportunities:

• Guided eco-tours, kayaking, and water sports rentals.

• Food and beverage kiosks serving local and international tourists.

• Cabin or glamping rentals for an upscale eco-lodge experience.

Notes: Work with the town council to secure land leases and partnerships before large investors move in. First-mover advantage is critical.

Large Enterprise (LE)

These require significant investment but promise high returns in key sectors like energy, construction, and digital infrastructure.

1. Smart Logistics & Infrastructure for CARIFORUM-UK Trade Expansion

Why? Trade between the UK and CARIFORUM is increasing, but logistics bottlenecks remain.
Opportunities:

• Specialized export warehousing and cold storage for agriculture and seafood exports.

• Dedicated shipping and air cargo routes for faster export processing.

• Trade finance solutions to help Guyanese exporters access UK markets.

Notes: Guyana is strategically placed as a trade hub for the Caribbean and Latin America, meaning investors can tap into regional supply chains beyond the UK.

2. Large-Scale Prefabricated Housing Development

Why? With 50,000+ housing lots being allocated, the demand for mass housing solutions is skyrocketing.
Opportunities:

• Factory-based modular housing production to reduce construction costs and build time.

• Public-private partnerships (PPP) with government to build affordable homes in bulk.

• Bulk supply of raw materials and construction technology to meet growing demand.

Notes: Companies that secure early government contracts will dominate the housing sector in the coming years.

3. Investment in Oil & Gas-Linked Industrial Services

Why? Guyana’s oil industry is expanding, but many supply chain gaps remain.
Opportunities:

• Oil and gas equipment rental and servicing – focusing on offshore rigs and drilling companies.

• Training academies for specialized oil and gas skills – workforce shortages are delaying projects.

• Heavy-duty transport and logistics solutions for moving oilfield equipment and personnel.

Notes: With foreign companies dominating oil and gas, local firms can succeed by offering specialized support services instead of competing directly.

Final Thoughts

Small Enterprises should capitalize on service-based businesses that require low capital investment but align with national development trends.
Medium Enterprises can scale up by leveraging government projects in housing, healthcare, and eco-tourism.
Large Enterprises should invest in oil and gas, logistics, and large-scale construction, as these sectors offer multi-year revenue streams.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Corporate & Government Procurement Consultant

Why?
The National Defence Institute (NDI) just conducted training on procurement strategy, national security budgets, and international geopolitical spending. The growing government and corporate procurement sector means there’s a demand for individuals who can navigate procurement processes efficiently.

Opportunities:

• Help small businesses win government and corporate contracts by preparing procurement documents, tenders, and proposals.

• Offer workshops for businesses on how to become government suppliers.

• Work as a middleman connecting international suppliers to local businesses looking for high-quality goods and services.

Getting Started:

• No major capital investment is required.

• Requires learning Guyana’s procurement regulations and understanding bidding processes.

• Ideal for professionals in finance, administration, or logistics who can handle paperwork and negotiations after work hours.

Potential Earnings:

• $50,000 - $500,000 GYD per project, depending on the size of the contract.

• Recurring clients can provide a stable income stream.

2. Mobile Cooking Gas Cylinder Inspection & Safety Services

Why?
The government is investigating gas cylinder safety, meaning new regulations are likely. Households, restaurants, and food vendors will need regular inspections to stay compliant, creating a niche market for mobile gas cylinder inspections.

Opportunities:

• Charge a small fee for home and business safety inspections.

• Sell gas leak detectors, safety valves, and other accessories.

• Partner with gas distributors to offer an end-to-end service.

Getting Started:

• A basic investment in gas detection equipment (~$50,000 GYD).

• Quick training in fire safety and gas handling.

• Advertise through WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram for easy customer bookings.

Potential Earnings:

• $5,000 - $15,000 GYD per inspection, with potential for 5-10 clients per weekend.

• Extra income from selling safety equipment ($1,000 - $5,000 GYD per item).

3. Boutique Tour Operator for Eco-Tourism & Blue Lake Adventures

Why?
The Linden Town Council is now managing Blue Lake, meaning there is an opportunity for well-organized private tours. Additionally, eco-tourism is growing in Guyana, and many city professionals want weekend getaways.

Opportunities:

• Organize day trips for professionals and small groups looking for a nature escape.

• Rent out paddleboards, kayaks, or even organize hiking and biking adventures.

• Offer premium experiences like sunset picnics or guided nature photography tours.

Getting Started:

• Use personal or rental vehicles to offer transport.

• Partner with local food vendors for catering.

• Create a social media page to market weekend tour packages.

Potential Earnings:

• $10,000 - $30,000 GYD per person for a full-day trip, with a group of 6-10 per weekend.

• Upsell services like photography, drinks, or premium picnic experiences.

Final Thoughts

Each of these ideas takes advantage of Guyana’s growing economy while remaining feasible for someone with a full-time job. They offer scalability—meaning they can grow into full businesses if desired—but also function as high-value side hustles.

• Procurement Consulting is best for professionals with office skills who can help small businesses win contracts.

• Gas Cylinder Inspection Services is a low-cost, in-demand service that aligns with new government regulations.

• Eco-Tourism & Blue Lake Adventures targets Guyana’s expanding domestic tourism sector and is perfect for weekend-based income.