Region Three Housing Backlog to Be Cleared by September

President Irfaan Ali has promised to clear all Region Three house lot applications submitted up to 2024 by September this year. The initiative will open land to up to 4,000 families, backed by GYD $65 billion in housing investment and another GYD $28 billion in infrastructure projects across the region. Plans include a four-lane road from Parika to Goshen and major industrial projects like a fertilizer plant and steel production facility, all supported by 600MW of upcoming power projects in the area.

Guyana Awards 300 House Lots in Kwakwani, Launches $1.6B Infrastructure Push

The Government of Guyana distributed 300 residential lots in Kwakwani, Region 10, as part of its “Dream Realised” housing initiative. The move targets families displaced by flooding and aims to improve living standards through major infrastructure development in the New Kwakwani Phase One scheme. Six contractors have been assigned to the area, with a GY$1.6 billion budget for essential amenities. Over $50 million in construction vouchers were also distributed. Officials say all regional housing applications (except Region Four) will be processed by mid-2025.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Business Opportunities for Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Affordable Housing Support Services in Kwakwani

Opportunity: Provide ancillary services to the 300 new households being established in the New Kwakwani Phase One Housing Scheme. This includes home construction, basic renovations, material transport, and household essentials.

• Why now? The government is disbursing steel and cement vouchers and fast-tracking infrastructure. This creates immediate demand for small contractors, transporters, furniture makers, electricians, and plumbers.

• Note: SMEs should form co-ops to bid for micro-contracts or offer bundled “home starter kits.”

2. Eco-Friendly School Supplies or Wellness Products

Opportunity: Supply reusable, sustainable products to schools participating in the SHOUT 3.0 environmental initiative and mental health wellness clubs.

• Why now? There’s growing institutional focus on student mental health and sustainability.

• Note: Partner with schools or NGOs to create branded wellness boxes or “peer leader kits” (journals, stress toys, hydration bottles, etc.) that reinforce the program.

3. Local Food Delivery or Snack Vending for Construction Sites

Opportunity: Deliver meals, beverages, and quick snacks to workers on major government housing and infrastructure projects.

• Why now? Six contractors have already mobilized in Kwakwani with teams onsite daily.

• Note: Mobile cart or pre-ordered lunch service with regional dishes could do well. Consistency and hygiene will differentiate vendors.

Top 3 Business Opportunities for Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Regional Construction & Engineering Subcontracting

Opportunity: Subcontract work under the GY$1.6 billion infrastructure development in Kwakwani and similar future projects across Guyana.

• Why now? There’s strong political momentum behind housing expansion. With timelines set for 2025, contractors will need help scaling.

• Note: Focus on infrastructure services (roads, drainage, utility trenching). Secure NIS, GRA, and CHPA compliance to qualify.

2. Tech-Driven Environmental Education Products

Opportunity: Develop digital educational tools or apps aligned with the SHOUT 3.0 competition and mental wellness education goals.

• Why now? The Ministry of Education and Exxon are supporting high-visibility national competitions tied to sustainability and tech.

• Note: Medium businesses can create web-based platforms for student submissions, judging panels, or even gamify sustainability education with Ministry support.

3. CLEWs Modelling Services & Consultancy

Opportunity: Offer consultancy services helping municipalities, agriculture investors, and large-scale businesses simulate their projects using the new CLEWs model framework.

• Why now? With Canada backing Guyana’s use of this global sustainability modelling system, consultants who understand CLEWs will be in high demand.

• Note: Train staff on the system in collaboration with UG or MITACS. Offer scenario analysis and climate risk mitigation planning for energy, water, and land use.

Top 3 Business Opportunities for Large Enterprises

1. Private Security & Border Monitoring Tech

Opportunity: Provide security services, surveillance tech, and data analytics to assist Guyana in managing its growing cross-border immigration challenges and narco threats.

• Why now? The U.S.-Guyana MoU prioritizes rapid info-sharing and security infrastructure, and Guyana is actively screening for “sleeper agents” and criminal elements.

• Note: Consider joint ventures with U.S. defense/security firms or PPPs with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

2. AgriTech Infrastructure for Regional Export

Opportunity: Develop agricultural value chains (e.g., greenhouse clusters, cold storage, agri-logistics hubs) in response to U.S. interest in Guyana as a regional food basket.

• Why now? Rubio cited agriculture as a pillar of Guyana’s transformational potential. With AI and digitization in the mix, there's room for automation and smart farming.

• Note: Prioritize scalable models like hydroponics and export-focused crops. There will be future support under regional food security partnerships.

3. Digital Infrastructure & Data Centre Investments

Opportunity: Build or co-invest in data centers and digital infrastructure projects supporting AI development, fintech, and government digitization.

• Why now? The U.S. highlighted digitization and affordable energy as key to Guyana becoming a “tech leader” in the Caribbean.

• Note: Leverage available land, low energy costs (with upcoming gas-to-shore project), and Guyana’s ambitions for regional tech leadership.

Final Strategic Thought:
Today's developments show Guyana shifting from a resource-based emerging economy into a regional policy, climate, and security hub—with backing from the U.S., Canada, and major international institutions. Businesses that align with government priorities—housing, environment, security, digital growth—will find outsized opportunities over the next 18 months.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Local Business Concierge for Digital Transformation (Part-Time Consulting)

Target Market: Small and medium-sized businesses in Georgetown and regional towns (e.g., Water Street businesses)
Opportunity Insight:
With the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) actively engaging local businesses to understand their operational challenges, there is a growing demand for digitization and modernisation support. Many traditional businesses are struggling with inventory management, online presence, digital payments, and customer engagement.

Side Hustle Concept:
Offer part-time services helping local businesses modernise basic operations — like setting up Google Business Profiles, WhatsApp Business, or even simple inventory tools and digital marketing.

Startup Needs: A laptop, some free online training (Google Digital Garage), and time on weekends/evenings.

Why It Works:

• Low investment, high perceived value

• Builds relationships that could lead to full-time or bigger consulting gigs

• Strong fit with Guyana’s digital transition and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem

2. Remote Land & Property Scout for Diaspora and New Homeowners

Target Market: Diaspora investors and new housing scheme allottees (e.g., Kwakwani residents)
Opportunity Insight:
The government is rapidly expanding housing access (300+ house lots distributed just this week), and people — especially in remote regions — need trusted eyes and hands to assess land, take pictures, liaise with contractors, and check development progress. Diaspora Guyanese are also looking to invest in properties without being physically present.

Side Hustle Concept:
Act as a freelance scout who visits properties or land on behalf of buyers/investors, taking photos, recording videos, and offering local knowledge. Can be packaged as a paid service per visit or on a monthly retainer.

Startup Needs: Smartphone, transportation, and a simple service pricing list.

Why It Works:

• High trust + high value = good side income

• No technical skills required, just reliability and communication

• Can be scaled up into a full service for land development over time

3. Environmental Content Creator for Youth & Schools

Target Market: Secondary school students, teachers, and NGOs (e.g., Recover Guyana’s SHOUT 3.0 competition)
Opportunity Insight:
With $4M in prizes and national media coverage, the SHOUT competition is raising awareness about youth environmental activism. Schools are looking for guidance in submitting quality video content and campaigns.

Side Hustle Concept:
Offer simple video editing, scriptwriting, and public speaking coaching services for students entering environmental speech competitions. Additionally, help schools and NGOs repurpose this content for social media awareness campaigns.

Startup Needs: A phone with decent video capability, free video editing apps (like CapCut), and a willingness to learn storytelling basics.

Why It Works:

• Growing national momentum around sustainability

• Schools often lack media-savvy skills

• Great exposure and portfolio-building for future media or NGO work