Trump Cancels Venezuela Oil Deal – What It Means for Guyana

U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked oil concessions for Venezuela, citing electoral concerns and lack of cooperation on migrant returns. The move reverses a Biden-era agreement that allowed Chevron to operate in Venezuela, potentially impacting regional oil markets. While Guyana has a booming oil sector of its own, the decision could lead to shifts in global oil pricing and investment flows in South America. Analysts will be watching to see if this escalates tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela or if it opens up new opportunities for Guyanese oil exports.

Bartica’s Economic Boom Sparks Demand for More Fuel Storage

Bartica, a key gateway to Guyana’s mining sector, is experiencing a surge in economic activity, driving up fuel consumption and triggering a brief fuel shortage. Mayor Anthony Murray attributes the increased demand to large-scale mining projects and rising vehicle imports. With the $1.5 billion Oko West gold project set to produce 350,000 ounces annually by 2027, local fuel suppliers may need to expand storage facilities to keep up. The government has stepped in to stabilize supply, but long-term infrastructure improvements are needed to support the town’s rapid growth.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (Startups & Small Businesses)

1. Renewable Energy Equipment & Services

   • With the Caribbean struggling to finance its transition to renewable energy, there is an opportunity for small businesses to provide affordable solar panels, wind energy solutions, and maintenance services. Partnering with government initiatives or international sustainability funds could secure financing support.

   • Key Considerations: Access to low-cost financing, strategic partnerships with regional governments, and training to install and maintain renewable energy systems.

2. Mining Support & Logistics in Bartica

   • With large-scale mining projects increasing demand for fuel and supplies, small businesses can step in to provide transportation services, fuel distribution, and essential mining equipment rentals.

   • Key Considerations: Developing strong relationships with local miners, ensuring a consistent fuel supply, and exploring collaborations with regional suppliers for bulk purchases.

3. Quality Certification Consultancy for Small Businesses

   • As the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) promotes quality certification for local companies, small businesses can offer consultancy services to help others achieve certification, improving their market credibility.

   • Key Considerations: Gaining GNBS accreditation, understanding quality standards for various industries, and offering affordable packages for small businesses.

Medium Enterprises (Growth-Oriented Businesses)

1. Telehealth & Digital Health Solutions

   • With Guyana looking to expand its partnership with India for digital healthcare, there is an opportunity to develop telehealth platforms, mobile diagnostic units, and AI-driven medical services.

   • Key Considerations: Partnering with local clinics, leveraging government incentives for digital health, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

2. Agricultural Processing & Value-Added Production

   • The government’s push to reduce food imports and develop a resilient agricultural sector creates opportunities for medium enterprises to invest in processing facilities for local produce (e.g., fruit dehydration, organic snacks, sauces, and canned goods).

   • Key Considerations: Securing government grants, establishing supply chain agreements with farmers, and targeting regional export markets.

3. Gas Distribution & Storage Services in Mining Hubs

   • The economic boom in Bartica has triggered a rising demand for fuel storage. Medium-sized businesses can invest in independent fuel distribution, storage solutions, and wholesale fuel sales to miners and transport operators.

   • Key Considerations: Licensing and regulatory approvals, logistics planning for fuel deliveries, and potential partnerships with major fuel suppliers like GuyOil.

Large Enterprises (Scalable Ventures & Corporate Investments)

1. Gas-to-Energy & Industrial Gas Development

   • ExxonMobil’s commitment to building a gas market presents an opportunity for large enterprises to invest in industrial gas production, processing plants, and gas-based industries such as fertilizer or chemicals manufacturing.

   • Key Considerations: Long-term government partnerships, securing contracts for gas supply, and exploring joint ventures with international firms.

2. Agricultural Technology & Smart Farming Initiatives

   • With the Caribbean's push to boost food security and reduce imports, large enterprises can invest in large-scale agricultural innovation—such as precision farming, AI-driven irrigation systems, and agritech solutions to improve productivity.

   • Key Considerations: Collaborating with IICA-backed projects, lobbying for tax incentives, and securing contracts with supermarket chains and food processors.

3. Renewable Energy Infrastructure Development

   • Given the Caribbean’s difficulty in securing financing for clean energy, large enterprises can step in as project developers, investing in large-scale wind, solar, and hybrid energy projects in collaboration with governments.

   • Key Considerations: Access to international sustainability funds, securing long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), and investing in research & development for scalable renewable solutions.

Final Thoughts

• Energy & Mining: The rapid economic expansion in Bartica and government investment in renewable energy suggest strong growth potential in fuel supply, energy storage, and gas monetization.

• Agriculture & Food Security: Guyana’s agricultural transformation presents diverse opportunities in value-added food production, export-oriented agribusiness, and modern farming technologies.

• Healthcare & Technology: The digital health partnership with India provides fertile ground for innovative telemedicine solutions, AI-driven diagnostics, and healthcare logistics.

• Government Partnerships: Many of these opportunities require collaboration with government agencies, making it critical to navigate regulatory environments and secure public-private partnerships.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Solar Panel & Battery Installation Services

Why This Works:

• Guyana is aggressively expanding its renewable energy infrastructure, but many businesses and homeowners lack affordable access to solar power solutions.

• The government is adding 100MW of solar power, meaning demand for off-grid and backup systems will rise.

How to Start:

• Partner with wholesale solar equipment suppliers to source small-scale solar kits.

• Offer installation services for homes and businesses, focusing on cost-effective, easy-to-maintain systems.

• Target mining communities, rural areas, and small businesses that need energy backup solutions.

• Use social media marketing to demonstrate cost savings and benefits.

Earnings Potential:

• GYD $100,000 – $500,000 per month depending on the scale of installations and partnerships with suppliers.

2. Agricultural Trading & Specialty Crop Reselling

Why This Works:

• The government is pushing food security and import reduction, meaning demand for locally sourced, high-quality crops is growing.

• Farmers often lack direct access to urban markets, creating an opportunity for middlemen.

How to Start:

• Identify high-value crops like organic vegetables, premium herbs, or specialty fruits (e.g., dehydrated mango, sorrel, exotic peppers).

• Build relationships with small farmers and buy in bulk at lower prices.

• Resell directly to urban consumers, restaurants, or export markets (especially through online orders).

• Offer small-scale packaging and delivery services for convenience.

Earnings Potential:

• GYD $80,000 – $300,000 per month depending on the scale of trade and client base.

3. Business Compliance & Quality Certification Assistance

Why This Works:

• The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is actively promoting quality certification, but many small businesses lack expertise in applying for these certifications.

• Companies that achieve certification gain credibility, making this a high-value service.

How to Start:

• Learn the basics of GNBS standards and certification requirements (e.g., food safety, ISO compliance, GMP for manufacturing).

• Offer part-time consulting to small businesses needing assistance with paperwork, quality control, and compliance steps.

• Focus on growing industries such as food processing, agro-processing, and manufacturing.

• Charge a one-time setup fee or offer subscription-based support for ongoing compliance.

Earnings Potential:

• GYD $100,000 – $400,000 per month depending on the number of clients and complexity of certifications.

Final Thoughts

These side hustles focus on high-demand industries tied to Guyana’s economic growth, particularly in energy, agriculture, and business services. Each idea is scalable, meaning individuals can start small while maintaining their full-time job and expand as demand increases.