GuySuCo Aims for 40,000 Tonnes of Sugar in First Crop of 2025

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is targeting 40,000 tonnes of sugar in its first crop of 2025, with Blairmont and Rose Hall estates leading production efforts. The government has invested $45 billion into revitalizing the sugar industry over the past five years, focusing on mechanization and modernization. Despite setbacks in 2024, GuySuCo aims to meet its ambitious target of 100,000 tonnes for the year.

Kwakwani to Get $248M Airstrip, Boosting Access for Business and Mining

Kwakwani, Region 10 – A $248 million airstrip is set to improve access to the remote mining and logging hub of Kwakwani, according to Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill. The project, awarded to Associated Construction Services, includes a 2,500-foot-long, 50-foot-wide airstrip with asphalt paving to accommodate small aircraft. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity for businesses operating in the area, which currently relies on river and road transport. Construction is expected to take five months, alongside additional infrastructure upgrades, including new community landings and concrete pathways linking key facilities.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (Startups & Local Entrepreneurs)

1. Oil & Gas Workforce Training and Support Services

   • Opportunity: With more petroleum engineering scholarships being offered, there is a growing need for tutoring services, academic coaching, and training materials for prospective students.

   • Business Model: Private tutoring centers can offer specialized preparatory courses for scholarship applicants, particularly in STEM subjects.

   • Notes: This could also extend into language training, given that Chinese language certification is an advantage for scholarship applicants.

2. Rice Farming Logistics & Paddy Processing Support

   • Opportunity: With the government securing a $4,000 minimum price for paddy and expanding rice cultivation, there will be increased demand for affordable transport, storage, and mechanized harvesting support.

   • Business Model: Small businesses could establish paddy drying and storage services for farmers who struggle with logistics.

   • Notes: Drone-based crop monitoring and soil testing could be a value-added service.

3. Tech Solutions for Immigration & Travel Services

   • Opportunity: With CJIA warning about online immigration form scams, there is space for a legitimate, locally developed travel support app.

   • Business Model: A small business could develop an official mobile application for Guyanese travelers with links to verified government services, automated immigration form filling, and travel tips.

   • Notes: Partnerships with the government could ensure legitimacy and wide adoption.

Medium Enterprises (Growing & Scalable Businesses)

1. Medical Services Expansion for Voucher-Based Programs

   • Opportunity: The government is expanding its health voucher program for eye tests, spectacles, and cervical cancer screenings. However, private service providers are facing issues with reimbursement.

   • Business Model: A well-managed private clinic network could partner with the government to ensure smooth service delivery while also offering premium health check-up packages.

   • Notes: The key here would be negotiating clear, quick reimbursement agreements with the Ministry of Health.

2. Corporate Training and Certification for Oil & Gas

   • Opportunity: With the government increasing local content requirements and offering oil & gas scholarships, medium-sized businesses can develop specialized training programs for local professionals.

   • Business Model: A technical training center could offer industry certifications for engineers, geologists, and technicians looking to work in offshore and petroleum industries.

   • Notes: Aligning with international certification bodies like API (American Petroleum Institute) and IWCF (International Well Control Forum) would add credibility.

3. Food Processing & Agro-Export – Rice & Sugar Byproducts

   • Opportunity: With the government investing heavily in GuySuCo and the rice sector, there is an opportunity to develop value-added products from these industries.

   • Business Model: Companies could process byproducts such as rice bran for animal feed, or develop high-end sugar-based products (organic brown sugar, molasses for export).

   • Notes: This aligns with growing health-conscious consumer trends globally.

Large Enterprises (Established Corporations & Investors)

1. Oil & Gas Equipment & Logistics Services

   • Opportunity: The expansion of oil & gas scholarships signals long-term sector growth. Larger companies could enter the market by providing specialized equipment rentals, maintenance services, or logistics for offshore operations.

   • Business Model: A logistics firm specializing in transporting equipment and workers between shore and offshore platforms.

   • Notes: Building alliances with CNOOC, ExxonMobil, and the government would be critical.

2. Healthcare Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: The government is focusing on improving maternal healthcare and expanding regional hospitals.

   • Business Model: Large construction firms or medical consortiums could bid for hospital construction and supply contracts, as well as create private-public partnerships for advanced medical services.

   • Notes: Guyana’s healthcare market is developing quickly, creating potential for private healthcare investments.

3. Renewable Energy & Sustainable Agriculture

   • Opportunity: With large-scale agricultural production (rice, sugar) expanding, sustainable energy solutions for farming and processing are in high demand.

   • Business Model: A large enterprise could develop solar-powered irrigation systems or biofuel solutions using sugarcane waste.

   • Notes: Potential partnerships with international sustainability organizations could unlock grants and incentives.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. VIP Express Immigration & Travel Assistance Service

Why It Works:

• Business travelers, oil & gas workers, and tourists increasingly travel to and from Guyana.

• Many visitors struggle with immigration forms, airport navigation, and local logistics.

• There’s no premium, fast-track airport assistance service, despite the rising influx of high-income travelers.

How to Do It:

• Offer fast-track assistance at CJIA by guiding travelers through immigration paperwork, luggage handling, and transport arrangements.

• Charge per-service fees for assistance with visa applications, online immigration form completion, and concierge airport services.

• Partner with corporate travel agencies, hotels, and foreign companies that send employees to Guyana.

Startup Cost:

• GYD $50,000 – $200,000 ($250 – $1,000 USD) for branding, networking, and marketing.

Earnings Potential:

Scalability: Can expand into a full-service executive travel company or VIP airport lounge service.

2. Micro 24-Hour Automated Retail Kiosks (Unmanned Vending Business)

Why It Works:

• Guyana’s economy is growing, but 24-hour access to premium snacks, travel essentials, and convenience items is still rare.

• Airports, corporate buildings, and high-traffic areas lack high-quality vending solutions.

• Self-service kiosks allow passive income with minimal time commitment.

How to Do It:

• Invest in small, automated vending machines or self-checkout kiosks for high-demand locations like CJIA Airport, hospitals, gyms, and corporate buildings.

• Stock premium snacks, health supplements, travel-size hygiene products, and tech accessories (chargers, headphones, SIM cards, etc.).

• Accept mobile payments, MMG, or credit/debit cards to increase customer convenience.

Startup Cost:

• GYD $500,000 – $1.5M ($2,500 – $7,500 USD) for 1–3 small vending kiosks, restocking inventory, and payment systems.

3. Mobile Business Tax Filing & Compliance Service

Why It Works:

• Thousands of small businesses and side hustlers in Guyana don’t fully understand GRA tax filings or local compliance laws.

• The growing oil economy means more regulations, new business formations, and financial compliance requirements.

• Most small entrepreneurs and side hustlers don’t have time to handle tax paperwork but need proper financial documentation to access bank loans and government incentives.

How to Do It:

• Offer a simple, mobile-friendly service to help individuals and small businesses file their taxes, renew business licenses, and stay compliant with GRA.

• Partner with accountants, tax specialists, and legal consultants to offer affordable, packaged services.

• Create an easy-to-use WhatsApp or web-based system where customers submit basic info, and you manage the process remotely.

Startup Cost:

• GYD $50,000 – $150,000 ($250 – $750 USD) for branding, networking, and setting up online payment methods.

Scalability:

• Can expand into a full digital accounting firm for startups and SMEs.

• Opportunity to build subscription-based tax and compliance advisory services.

Conclusion: The Best Side Hustles for Guyana in 2025

These ideas capitalize on Guyana’s rapid economic expansion and cater to high-value, underserved markets:

1. VIP Express Immigration & Travel Assistance – Targets business travelers, oil & gas professionals, and premium tourists.

2. 24-Hour Automated Retail Kiosks – A passive income business that serves corporate professionals and high-traffic locations.

3. Mobile Business Tax Filing & Compliance Service – Solves a critical problem for small business owners and entrepreneurs in a growing economy.

Each of these side hustles has high earning potential, minimal daily time commitment, and scalability into a full-time business.