Uninsured Mae’s Schools Faces Devastation After Fire

Mae’s Schools, a private institution in Georgetown, was destroyed by a massive fire, leaving over 1,000 students displaced. The school was in the process of obtaining insurance, but the policy was not finalized, meaning it faces significant financial setbacks in rebuilding. The Ministry of Education has pledged full support, working swiftly to relocate students to other institutions. The fire underscores the importance of comprehensive business risk management and insurance coverage for educational and private-sector institutions in Guyana.

Guyana’s Aviation Industry Gets Major Boost with ICAO-Certified Training School

Guyana’s Civil Aviation Training School (CATS) has officially gained accreditation from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s aviation industry. The ICAO recognition allows CATS to offer internationally certified training programs in air traffic control, radiotelephony, and other aviation-related courses. With access to over 500 training modules, the school can now attract students from across the Caribbean and generate revenue through commercialization. This accreditation enhances career opportunities for local aviation professionals and strengthens Guyana’s position as a regional aviation hub.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Aviation Training Support Services

With Guyana’s Civil Aviation Training School (CATS) now ICAO-certified, there is an opportunity for freelance aviation instructors, tutoring services, and course material development. SMEs could offer:

• Private tutoring for students enrolled in CATS programs

• Educational materials, such as study guides, flight dispatcher handbooks, and online video courses

• Simulation services, such as renting flight simulation time to trainees who need extra practice

Thoughts: This is a niche but high-value market, particularly for entrepreneurs with aviation experience or those who can partner with retired aviation professionals.

2. Digital Tutoring & Learning Support Services

With the upcoming launch of the Guyana Digital School, there is a demand for online tutoring, study guides, and ed-tech consulting. SMEs can:

• Offer private tutoring sessions for students struggling with digital learning

• Develop premium add-on courses, such as CXC exam preparation or specialized subject coaching

• Sell affordable study packs (printed or digital) that summarize key subjects

Thoughts: The Guyanese government is investing heavily in digital education, meaning a support ecosystem (tutors, resources, and coaching) will thrive. This model is scalable as the education initiative expands.

3. Skilled Trade Services on the 'Skills Connect' App

With the launch of Skills Connect, small businesses and self-employed professionals in construction, plumbing, electrical work, auto repair, and other trades can now get direct leads to job opportunities.

• Entrepreneurs can register independent trade services on the app

• Small firms can create specialized profiles and advertise niche skills

• On-demand services (such as emergency home repairs or mobile mechanics) can be marketed as fast-response solutions

Thoughts: By optimizing their profile and reviews on the Skills Connect platform, tradespeople can gain consistent job leads without heavy marketing costs.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Sustainable Gold Mining Compliance & Support Services

The GGMC court ruling in favor of small miners and the crackdown on illegal mining signal a shift toward regulated and compliant mining. There is an opportunity for businesses to:

• Provide regulatory consultancy to small and medium miners ensuring compliance

• Offer eco-friendly mining solutions, such as responsible waste management and mercury-free processing

• Develop mining equipment leasing services, particularly for new operators who have reclaimed their land

Thoughts: The legal win for small miners means many operations will restart, and they will need help ensuring compliance, efficiency, and profitability.

2. Digital Infrastructure for Cash Grant & Financial Transactions

With the government distributing over 490,000 cash grant cheques, there is room for:

• Financial literacy services to help recipients manage funds

• Mobile wallet and fintech solutions to help transition recipients from cash to digital payments

• Retail and e-commerce businesses targeting cash grant beneficiaries with affordable essential goods

Thoughts: This is an opportunity for financial inclusion, where businesses can help unbanked individuals transition to digital financial management.

3. Logistics & Freight for Rice and Agricultural Exports

With the government securing a minimum paddy price of $4,000 per bag, rice production is projected at 804,000 metric tonnes this year. There are business opportunities in:

• Transport & logistics services focused on bulk paddy and rice distribution

• Export facilitation for smaller rice producers looking to access international markets

• Agricultural input supply (e.g., fertilizers, storage solutions)

Thoughts: Medium-sized logistics companies can capitalize on predictable and high-volume demand from rice farmers and millers.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Aviation Training & International Student Recruitment

With Guyana’s Civil Aviation Training School now ICAO-certified, large businesses can invest in:

• Building a state-of-the-art aviation training facility with simulation labs

• Recruiting international students, particularly from the Caribbean and Latin America

• Partnering with regional airlines to provide customized training programs

Thoughts: With a regional shortage of aviation professionals, Guyana could become a Caribbean aviation training hub.

2. Large-Scale Digital Learning & EdTech Investments

The Guyana Digital School creates opportunities for major investments in:

• AI-driven learning platforms to enhance digital education

• Device distribution & financing to make tablets/laptops more accessible for students

• Private-sector partnerships to create premium learning modules (e.g., corporate-sponsored coding courses)

Thoughts: This initiative aligns with Guyana’s broader digital transformation goals, making it an attractive long-term investment.

3. Large-Scale Rice Processing & Value-Added Production

With Guyana’s strong rice output and government price protections, large agribusinesses can:

• Invest in rice milling and export-focused processing plants

• Develop value-added rice products, such as rice flour, ready-to-eat meals, and fortified rice

• Explore regional export partnerships, particularly with Caribbean and Latin American markets

Thoughts: By moving beyond raw exports into processed and branded rice products, Guyana could capture higher margins and reduce dependence on commodity pricing.

Conclusion

Today's developments reveal a shifting landscape in aviation, mining, digital services, and agriculture, opening up scalable business opportunities at every level.

• For Small Enterprises: Education, skilled trades, and aviation training present fast-growing, low-capital opportunities.

• For Medium Enterprises: Regulated mining, fintech, and logistics offer stable, service-based business models.

• For Large Enterprises: Investing in aviation training, edtech, and large-scale rice processing positions companies for high-value, long-term gains.

By aligning with government initiatives and market trends, businesses can capture new revenue streams and build resilience in Guyana’s evolving economy.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Aviation Training & Exam Prep Coaching

Why? With the Guyana Civil Aviation Training School (CATS) now ICAO-certified, demand for aviation professionals will rise—particularly air traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, and ground support staff. Many aspiring students will need coaching to pass entrance exams and certification tests.

How to Monetize:

• Offer one-on-one coaching or group training sessions for aviation trainees

• Sell digital study guides and mock exams online

• Provide weekend workshops on aviation fundamentals and radiotelephony

Investment Needed:

• Basic marketing via WhatsApp groups, Facebook, and LinkedIn

• Partnership with aviation students to get referrals

Scalability: Medium. Can expand to online courses and certification boot camps.

2. Logistics & Freight Forwarding Micro-Service

Why? With Guyana securing a stable rice price and paddy production increasing, small farmers and independent traders need affordable, small-scale transportation services to move goods between villages, city markets, and ports.

How to Monetize:

• If you own a pickup truck or van, offer weekend delivery services for small-scale rice farmers and suppliers

• Act as a freight broker, helping businesses book cargo space with larger logistics companies

• Partner with farmers to create small-scale storage and distribution solutions

Investment Needed:

• Smartphone & network to coordinate jobs

• Basic fuel & maintenance budget if using your own vehicle

• Partnering with farmers and suppliers

Scalability: High. Can expand into a dedicated freight matching platform connecting suppliers to truckers.

3. AI-Powered Digital Tutoring & Homework Help

Why? The launch of Guyana Digital School will create a huge demand for personalized learning support. With AI-driven learning tools, professionals can offer tutoring without needing to teach live full-time.

How to Monetize:

• Use AI-powered tutoring tools (like ChatGPT or Grammarly) to automate homework help

• Offer “homework review” services where students submit assignments and get AI-assisted corrections

• Sell AI-enhanced digital study notes and personalized quizzes to students

Investment Needed:

• Access to AI-powered learning tools (many are free or low-cost)

• Basic social media marketing targeting students and parents

• Partner with local schools for referrals

Scalability: Very high. Can grow into an online learning business, offering AI-driven exam prep for CXC and SAT students.

Final Thoughts

These side hustles maximize Guyana’s current economic expansion and require minimal startup investment. Each idea taps into a growing market, allowing professionals to earn extra income while working full-time.

• Aviation coaching benefits from the booming aviation sector

• Logistics services capitalize on the growing agriculture and trade industry

• AI-powered tutoring is a low-effort, high-return opportunity that scales easily

With strategic execution, these side hustles can turn into full-time businesses over time, riding the wave of Guyana’s economic transformation.