Rapid Growth in Guyana’s Small Business Ecosystem

Guyana’s efforts to bolster its small business sector have led to remarkable outcomes, with over 720 new businesses emerging in hinterland regions this year. Minister Waldron credits streamlined registration processes and targeted government initiatives for driving entrepreneurial growth in rural communities. The new businesses reflect a mix of local ingenuity, ranging from agro-processing enterprises to essential service providers like salons and food vendors.

$100,000 Cash Grant Distribution Begins

The Guyanese government launched its $100,000 cash grant initiative, targeting adult citizens nationwide. Registration is underway in Region Four, with distribution already active in Region Nine. Using advanced verification methods, the program aims to ensure transparency and efficiency, with over 300,000 citizens expected to benefit by year-end. The grant reflects the government’s commitment to economic support and social welfare.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Local Food and Beverage Production:

   • Opportunity: Inspired by the success of businesses at the One Guyana Christmas Village, small enterprises can create unique, locally sourced food and beverage products like cassava-based goods, flavored condiments, or specialty drinks.

   • Notes: Focus on leveraging local ingredients (e.g., carilla, cassava, spices) to differentiate products and emphasize health benefits. Participation in events like the Christmas Village offers direct-to-consumer visibility.

2. Sustainable Packaging Solutions:

   • Opportunity: The USAID RESET grants program highlights sustainability as a key focus. Small businesses can develop eco-friendly packaging for MSMEs in the food, beverage, and agricultural sectors.

   • Notes: Partner with local producers and regional exporters to offer affordable biodegradable or reusable packaging solutions.

3. Tourism-Related Services in Bartica:

   • Opportunity: With Bartica planning infrastructure improvements, small enterprises can provide supporting tourism services like guided tours, bike rentals, or small food stands in popular areas.

   • Notes: Focus on eco-tourism and collaborate with the town council to align with ongoing infrastructure projects, such as road and lighting enhancements.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Energy-Efficient Equipment and Installation Services:

   • Opportunity: The Gas-to-Energy Project highlights increased access to natural gas, creating demand for gas-powered equipment for businesses and households. Medium enterprises can offer appliances, installation, and maintenance services.

   • Notes: Develop partnerships with local governments or large corporations like ExxonMobil to market products and services.

2. Value-Added Agriculture Processing:

   • Opportunity: As the government expands land access and improves irrigation, medium-sized enterprises can invest in processing facilities for value-added agricultural products (e.g., cassava flour, fruit preserves, spices).

   • Notes: Look for partnerships with small farmers and funding from USAID RESET grants to integrate climate-smart and sustainable practices.

3. Local Defense and Security Tech Solutions:

   • Opportunity: With France’s focus on enhancing Guyana’s military tech and drone capabilities, medium enterprises can enter the defense technology supply chain by developing or distributing surveillance, monitoring, or safety systems.

   • Notes: Collaborate with the government and French technology firms to customize offerings for Guyana's unique security needs.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Renewable Energy and Gas-to-Energy Infrastructure:

   • Opportunity: The Gas-to-Energy pipeline and expanded natural gas supply create room for large enterprises to develop renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., hybrid plants or LNG facilities) or engage in industrial uses like fertilizer production.

   • Notes: Focus on securing contracts with the government and leveraging funding opportunities like the US EXIM Bank loan to expand operations.

2. Smart Urban Development in Bartica:

   • Opportunity: With Bartica’s $132 million budget for 2025 focusing on roads, drainage, and streetlights, large enterprises can bid on infrastructure projects or develop adjacent real estate and commercial spaces.

   • Notes: Prioritize partnerships with local councils and align proposals with the government's urban sustainability goals.

3. Large-Scale Drone and Military Equipment Manufacturing:

   • Opportunity: Guyana’s military partnership with France opens doors for large enterprises to supply high-tech drone systems, surveillance tools, and training programs for the GDF.

   • Notes: Build on existing defense-related agreements and explore opportunities for regional exports of defense technology.

Additional Thoughts:

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Enterprises of all sizes can collaborate on projects like eco-friendly packaging, renewable energy, and agricultural innovations. Such synergies can create a robust business ecosystem.

• Government and Corporate Contracts: Many opportunities, especially for medium and large enterprises, lie in aligning with government initiatives or partnering with multinationals like ExxonMobil and French defense firms.

• Export Potential: With growing international interest in Guyana’s resources, enterprises should consider scaling products and services for regional and global markets.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Luxury Agro-Products for Export

• Idea: Create small batches of premium, export-quality agro-products like cassava chips, fruit preserves, or infused cassava bread using Guyana's abundant agricultural resources.

• How It Works:

  • Source ingredients locally from farmers.

  • Use unique branding that highlights Guyana’s natural resources and heritage.

  • Sell products online via e-commerce platforms or target niche overseas markets like Caribbean diaspora communities.

• Why It Works: With the world becoming more health-conscious and Guyana gaining international attention due to its growing economy, there’s a significant demand for artisanal, organic, or exotic food products. Grants like USAID RESET can also help fund small-scale operations.

2. Drone Rental and Surveying Services

• Idea: Offer drone services for real estate agents, farmers, and small businesses needing aerial photography, land surveys, or marketing content.

• How It Works:

  • Purchase a mid-range drone (initial investment around $1,500–$2,500 USD).

  • Provide affordable packages for photography, marketing videos, and land assessments.

  • Market services to farmers (for crop assessments) and real estate developers (to showcase properties).

• Why It Works: With increased attention on agriculture, tourism, and real estate in Guyana, demand for professional and affordable drone services is rising. The partnership with France to expand drone training can be leveraged for skills development.

3. Customized Holiday Event Services

• Idea: Organize small-scale, high-end holiday events, pop-up dinners, or themed parties with a focus on Guyanese culture, such as traditional Christmas dinners or craft markets.

• How It Works:

  • Collaborate with local artisans, musicians, and chefs.

  • Use social media platforms for targeted marketing to expatriates, tourists, and locals looking for unique experiences.

  • Rent out venues or partner with businesses like restaurants for short-term pop-up events.

• Why It Works: Events like the One Guyana Christmas Village show there’s growing appreciation for unique cultural experiences. With a small-scale, curated approach, this side hustle can thrive during the holiday season and beyond.

Why These Ideas Stand Out:

1. They require relatively low start-up costs and can scale with demand.

2. They leverage Guyana's growing international reputation, local resources, and developing infrastructure.

3. They cater to emerging middle-class and expatriate communities, maximizing profitability with niche offerings.