Central Bank Injects US$100M into Foreign Exchange Market

Liquidity boost to ease FX backlog.
In a bid to clear a backlog of foreign currency demands, the Bank of Guyana has injected US$100 million into the financial system. The decision came after meetings between government leaders and commercial banks highlighted delays in fulfilling FX orders due to timing mismatches. The move is expected to stabilize the market and improve transaction times.

Guyanese Citizens to Co-Invest in National Projects

President Ali unveils grassroots wealth-building model.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced plans for a national co-investment program that will allow ordinary Guyanese to invest in major public ventures like a new fertilizer plant and a future national gas company. The initiative is part of the government’s broader goal of inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity. To ensure success, it will be supported by financial literacy campaigns and increased cash grants. The president also committed to integrating informal sector workers into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), expanding access to retirement benefits.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

SMALL ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Farm-to-Table and Mobile Food Services in Region 6

Opportunity: With the opening of Aarna, Region 6's first authentic Indian restaurant, there is a clear growing interest in diverse culinary experiences. This paves the way for mobile food carts, ethnic fusion cafes, and locally sourced meal prep services that align with rural and peri-urban tastes. Notes:

• Focus on affordability and authenticity.

• Could be linked to agri-tourism experiences.

• Start with weekend operations and scale based on foot traffic and events.

2. Green Space Maintenance & Beautification Services

Opportunity: St. Sidwell’s Church is actively seeking sponsors and support to develop a green space in an urban triangle lot. There’s a strong opportunity for small landscaping and outdoor maintenance firms to pitch low-cost, high-visibility projects to churches, NGOs, and municipalities. Notes:

• Ideal for startups with limited capital.

• Partner with nurseries or community youth programs for joint impact.

• Expand into garbage clean-up and urban renewal contracts.

3. On-Demand Counterfeit Currency Verification Tools

Opportunity: With counterfeit money reportedly circulating in local businesses, there’s space for small tech or retail businesses to offer affordable currency checking devices, training sessions, or even mobile apps that help micro-enterprises verify notes. Notes:

• Partner with financial institutions or local chambers for pilot programs.

• Could bundle tools with POS systems.

• Good add-on product for small-scale security retailers.

MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Aquaculture Support Services & Feed Production

Opportunity: The government is investing heavily in aquaculture, including shrimp pond and cage fishing expansion in Region 6. There’s a growing need for affordable aquafeed supply, technical training, and equipment leasing. Notes:

• Strategic positioning near Corentyne Coast is ideal.

• High-potential for government partnership or matching grants.

• Support services like cold chain logistics could also evolve.

2. Clean Water Infrastructure Installation in Hinterland

Opportunity: The $75M investment in rural water systems suggests significant demand for plumbing contractors, water filtration SMEs, and solar-powered pumping systems tailored for hinterland use. Notes:

• Tap into public-private partnership frameworks.

• Train Amerindian youth as local technicians to build community trust.

• Explore partnerships with NGOs or CSR arms of oil companies.

3. Legal Compliance & Customs Advisory Services

Opportunity: The GRA’s clampdown on misuse of the remigrant scheme has exposed a gap in regulatory compliance and customs law literacy. Medium-sized professional services firms can offer customs consultancy, duty-free eligibility audits, and documentation support. Notes:

• Position services for returning diaspora and luxury importers.

• Create templates and guides for common errors to reduce barriers.

• Partner with immigration or relocation services for bundled offerings.

LARGE ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Diaspora Investment Aggregators / Fund Management

Opportunity: The Toronto Job Fair made it clear the diaspora is eager to invest, but lacks local partners. Large enterprises could develop diaspora-facing investment vehicles, such as real estate funds, joint venture platforms, or syndicated equity models. Notes:

• Consider regulatory pathways for licensed fund management.

• Partner with banks and government diaspora units for visibility and compliance.

• Use sectors like agriculture, housing, and tourism as anchor investments.

2. Construction Consortiums for Public Infrastructure (Roads, Bridges, Utilities)

Opportunity: With the Demerara Bridge project running ahead of schedule, the government is showing strong execution capability. Other road and bridge upgrades are inevitable. Major players can form consortiums to bid for regional and hinterland infrastructure works. Notes:

• Build capacity in civil engineering talent locally.

• Bundle EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services with training and job creation commitments.

• Focus on areas like Region 9, which are high in potential and under-resourced.

3. Large-Scale Aquaculture Export Operations

Opportunity: Guyana’s highest marine production in five years, coupled with government backing and aquaculture expansion, makes the country ripe for commercial fish and shrimp export hubs. Notes:

• Co-invest in cold storage and processing facilities.

• Align with Ministry of Agriculture’s data to predict production cycles.

• Lobby for export certification and market access to CARICOM and North America.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Custom Duty & Remigrant Scheme Consultant (Micro Niche Service)

Concept: Offer guidance to individuals (especially diaspora returnees) on import duty regulations, re-migrant scheme conditions, and how to legally navigate vehicle imports and concessions.

Why Now: With the high-profile GRA vehicle seizure story and a growing number of diaspora returnees (Toronto job fair), there’s rising confusion — and opportunity. Many are importing luxury or commercial vehicles without understanding the compliance side.

How to Start:

• Do self-study on the Customs Act, GRA public guidelines, and re-migrant policies.

• Offer flat-fee document review or checklist services.

• Partner with local customs brokers or shipping agents for referrals.

Tools Needed: Just a laptop, printer, and some knowledge. You can operate on weekends or evenings.

2. Farm Link Courier – Regional Produce Drop-off Service

Concept: Use your personal vehicle or motorbike to transport fresh farm produce from Corentyne, Albion, or other farming zones to small retailers or individual customers in Georgetown or nearby markets.

Why Now: The Agri Minister is pushing for market resilience and better price stability for fisherfolk and farmers. With farm-to-market roads improving (Region 3 and Region 6), there's a logistics gap between rural producers and urban sellers.

How to Start:

• Build a WhatsApp group with farmers and small vendors.

• Charge per delivery or per pound transported.

• Operate on weekends or specific market days like Wednesday/Saturday.

Tools Needed: A fuel-efficient vehicle, cooler boxes, and a few reliable clients. Optional: register with Food Safety Authority for growth.

3. Micro Landscaping & Beautification Services

Concept: Offer weekend landscaping and outdoor beautification services to churches, schools, or small businesses looking to improve curb appeal — especially areas like the triangle plot near St. Sidwell’s.

Why Now: Local groups are actively looking to develop green spaces (Vlissengen Road/St. Sidwell’s), and city beautification is becoming more prominent with tourism and diaspora visits increasing.

How to Start:

• Offer entry-level packages: $15,000–$25,000 GYD for mowing, bush clearing, and basic flower planting.

• Target churches, nursery schools, and small businesses with visible storefronts.

• Upsell decorative fencing or weekend maintenance visits.

Tools Needed: Machete, weed eater, wheelbarrow, and a solid phone camera for before/after shots. Hire 1 helper if needed.