$38.3 Billion Approved for Market Upgrades and Waste Management Overhaul

A significant $38.3 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Local Government to modernize Guyana’s markets and improve waste management. Major projects include upgrading Bourda and Stabroek Markets, with a possible two-storey expansion at Bourda to accommodate more vendors. The government is also investing in landfill expansion, particularly at the overwhelmed Haags Bosch waste site, which currently processes more than double its intended capacity. Waste management infrastructure, including two new landfill sites in Region 4, is being developed to handle the country’s growing waste output.

Massive $141.5 Billion Approved for Energy and Infrastructure Overhaul

Parliament has greenlit a massive $141.5 billion budget for the Office of the Prime Minister, with a strong focus on energy, infrastructure, and technology upgrades. The biggest slice—$51.2 billion—will fund the transformative Wales Gas-to-Energy project, which aims to cut electricity costs by using natural gas. Another $18 billion will go toward stabilizing electricity rates through GPL subsidies, while $16.7 billion is allocated for ICT projects, including the rollout of Guyana’s new electronic identification (e-ID) system by June 2025. Other initiatives include a $1.9 billion upgrade to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with automated e-gates and $6.2 billion for the Safe Country programme to boost national security.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises

1. Election Services & Logistics

• With 19,000 election day staff set to be trained for the 2025 elections, small businesses can offer services like catering, transportation, and administrative support.

• Opportunity to provide rental spaces, office supplies, or event logistics for election-related activities.

• Strategic Note: Focus on niche services, such as security personnel rentals, voter education material printing, or mobile coffee/snack kiosks at polling stations.

2. Supporting Tourism Growth from Automated Border System

• The upcoming Automated Border Management System will reduce wait times at all ports, encouraging increased visitor inflows.

• Small businesses can develop tour packages, airport shuttles, or duty-free retail services.

• Strategic Note: Entrepreneurs can establish online booking platforms to facilitate smoother transportation from the airport to hotels, offering business-friendly chauffeur services.

3. Labour Rights & HR Consulting

• The Demerara Gold packaging plant strike reveals a gap in labour rights awareness and compliance. Small firms can offer HR compliance consulting to help businesses meet wage and insurance requirements.

• Strategic Note: A business offering outsourced payroll services ensuring proper NIS contributions, tax calculations, and compliance documentation could be a valuable niche.

Medium Enterprises

1. Local Oil & Gas Services for New PSAs

• The PSA signings with TotalEnergies, Qatar Energy, and Petronas signal an influx of foreign investment into Guyana’s oil sector.

• Medium-sized businesses can provide catering, accommodation, fleet management, transportation, and safety training services to oil field workers.

• Strategic Note: Investing in certification programs (e.g., HSE safety training) can make businesses more attractive for oil-related contracts.

2. Fuel & Energy Efficiency Solutions

• With $18B allocated to fuel purchases for GPL, electricity remains a major cost for businesses.

• Medium-sized enterprises can establish solar panel installation and energy efficiency consulting services to help companies reduce dependency on expensive fuel-based energy.

• Strategic Note: A business specializing in hybrid solar-diesel systems could offer immediate cost savings to industrial and commercial clients.

3. Construction & Infrastructure Contracting

• $209.3B investment in roads and bridges presents an opportunity for medium-sized construction firms to bid for subcontracts in paving, signage, maintenance, and supply of materials.

• Strategic Note: Specializing in a niche (e.g., bridge railing, road marking, or environmental compliance for construction sites) can make firms competitive.

Large Enterprises

1. Deep-Water Port & Logistics Hub Development

• The Lethem Highway project and connection to Brazil will make Guyana a regional logistics hub.

• Large firms can invest in warehouse facilities, freight forwarding, and deep-water port operations to handle cargo between Guyana and North America.

• Strategic Note: Forming joint ventures with Brazilian shipping companies could strengthen competitive positioning.

2. Large-Scale Manufacturing for Oil Sector

• Guyana is set to sign new PSAs with oil giants, increasing demand for local manufacturing of industrial equipment, prefabricated parts, and offshore safety gear.

• Large companies can invest in industrial fabrication, steel manufacturing, or importing specialized machinery to support oil field operations.

• Strategic Note: Establishing a local manufacturing plant could reduce import dependency and make local suppliers more competitive.

3. Gas-to-Energy Private Investment

• The Gas-to-Energy project presents long-term opportunities in electricity generation, gas refining, and industrial power solutions.

• Large corporations can invest in independent power generation, gas processing, and industrial-scale renewable energy solutions.

• Strategic Note: Entering into public-private partnerships (PPPs) with the Government could secure guaranteed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for long-term revenue stability.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

• Small businesses should focus on low-capital, high-demand services that align with upcoming events (elections, tourism growth, labour reforms).

• Medium enterprises should capitalize on government contracts, infrastructure projects, and sustainability services (fuel efficiency, solar, compliance).

• Large enterprises should look at long-term, capital-intensive investments that align with Guyana’s oil boom, energy transition, and logistics expansion.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. High-End Airbnb Experience for Business Travelers & Expats

Potential Earnings: GYD $200,000 – $600,000/month
Startup Cost: Moderate (Furnishing + Listing Setup)

Why This Works in Guyana Now

• Business travelers, oil industry executives, and consultants are flooding into the country, and many prefer premium short-term rentals over hotels.

• The Automated Border System will speed up travel processing, increasing the number of international visitors.

• There is a lack of well-furnished, high-quality Airbnb-style rental properties tailored to professionals.

How to Start

• If you own a spare room, apartment, or house, furnish it with modern, minimalistic decor.

• List on Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate platforms.

• Offer business-friendly features: high-speed WiFi, workspace, coffee machine, and airport pick-up services.

• Market the property to oil industry professionals, visiting consultants, and digital nomads.

Bonus Upsell: Offer an “Executive Welcome Package” with local snacks, a SIM card, and a quick guide to Guyana’s business scene.

2. Commercial Cleaning & Sanitization for Offices & Construction Sites

Potential Earnings: GYD $150,000 – $500,000/month
Startup Cost: Low (Cleaning Supplies + Transport)

Why This Works in Guyana Now

• The Government is investing over $200 billion in infrastructure projects, meaning more construction sites, office spaces, and business hubs need daily cleaning services.

• Oil companies and corporate offices require high-standard commercial cleaning and sanitation.

• Many businesses struggle to find reliable, on-call cleaning services that operate after hours.

How to Start

• Focus on high-traffic areas like construction firms, offices, and event venues.

• Offer contract-based services (daily, weekly, or deep cleaning packages).

• Target foreign businesses and embassies that require strict sanitation.

• Create WhatsApp Business and LinkedIn pages to market services professionally.

Bonus Upsell: Provide specialty services like deep industrial cleaning, carpet cleaning, or COVID-safe sanitization.

3. Online Concierge & Virtual Assistant Service for Expats & Business Owners

Potential Earnings: GYD $200,000 – $700,000/month
Startup Cost: Very Low (Laptop + Phone + Reliable Internet)

Why This Works in Guyana Now

• The influx of expats, foreign business investors, and executives means a growing need for personal assistance, booking management, and remote coordination.

• Many small business owners in Guyana are overwhelmed and need reliable admin support but can’t afford full-time employees.

• The shift toward remote work allows virtual assistants to operate from anywhere, offering high-value services on a flexible schedule.

How to Start

• Offer services like appointment scheduling, travel bookings, local business networking, property management for expats, or personal shopping.

• Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and expat forums to connect with potential clients.

• Charge by the hour or offer retainer packages for busy professionals.

• Expand into specialized services like expat relocation assistance or oil industry logistics support.

Bonus Upsell: Offer “Premium Executive Concierge” services like event planning, VIP reservations, or business networking introductions.

Final Thoughts: Best Pick Based on Your Skills

• If you have property or real estate connections, consider Airbnb rentals for business travelers.

• If you don’t mind physical work and steady contracts, commercial cleaning is a high-demand, recession-proof option.

• If you are organized and tech-savvy, a virtual assistant service for expats and business owners is an easy-to-start, scalable business.

Which of these side hustles interests you the most? I can help you refine the business model and marketing strategy.