Government Plans 7,000 New House Lots on East Bank Demerara to Meet Housing Demand 

Guyana’s government announced the development of 7,000 new housing lots along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor, part of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s goal to provide 50,000 house lots in five years. The $80 billion investment includes extensive road and infrastructure improvements, with 200 km of new roads and additional highways connecting the area. This ambitious housing push aims to alleviate urban congestion, decentralize residential areas, and foster economic growth along the corridor by making homeownership more accessible for thousands of Guyanese families.

Government’s New Collateral Bill Aims to Unlock Capital for Guyanese Businesses 

The Government of Guyana is pushing forward a new bill in Parliament to expand financing options for local businesses, addressing long-standing issues with traditional collateral requirements. Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh announced that the bill will allow businesses to use movable assets, like inventory and receivables, as collateral—reducing the reliance on land-based security that many local banks demand. This legislation is part of broader government efforts to modernize the financial sector and foster easier access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative is expected to help local businesses grow and encourage financial institutions to offer more flexible loan options.

President Ali Announces Sanctions for Underperforming Contractors on National Projects 

Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali has taken a firm stance against delays in national projects, announcing that contractors failing to meet deadlines will face contract terminations, liquidated damages, and potential blacklisting. Contractors with projects extending beyond their deadlines without justified extensions will be reported to the tender board. With nearly $3 billion GYD at stake in delayed projects, President Ali stressed that accountability is critical to advancing national development goals and improving citizens' quality of life.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SEs)

1. Supply Chain Support for Local Construction Projects

   • Opportunity: With housing developments and infrastructure projects underway, small enterprises could supply materials, labor, or related services (e.g., landscaping, site cleaning).

   • Notes: Partnering with contractors or developers will ensure a steady workflow. Small vendors can differentiate by offering quick turnaround times or niche products, such as eco-friendly building materials.

2. Marketing and Content Creation for Events like the GSL T20 Tournament

   • Opportunity: The ExxonMobil GSL T20 tournament is an excellent opportunity for small media firms to handle social media, event coverage, and fan engagement campaigns.

   • Notes: By creating targeted content for both local and international audiences, small media companies can expand their portfolios. Partnering with sponsors and event organizers could lead to recurring contracts.

3. Personal Safety Gear Sales for Road Safety Initiatives

   • Opportunity: The government’s emphasis on road safety creates demand for safety equipment like helmets and reflective gear. Targeting corporate clients, such as logistics and construction companies, would be ideal.

   • Notes: Partnering with government agencies to promote compliance or offering bulk discounts to corporate clients will improve reach and consistency.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Fabrication and Manufacturing Services for Oil Platforms

   • Opportunity: The Jaguar FPSO project offers an opening for medium-sized fabricators to supply custom components or perform assembly and maintenance for large oil operators.

   • Notes: Meeting international standards is essential for securing contracts. This could lead to long-term relationships with ExxonMobil or SBM Offshore, supporting a stable revenue stream.

2. Home and Construction Materials Distribution

   • Opportunity: With 7,000 new house lots on East Bank Demerara, medium-sized enterprises can capitalize by distributing durable materials like roofing, doors, and eco-friendly products.

   • Notes: Mid-sized distributors can differentiate through reliable delivery and product variety. Building exclusive contracts with developers will ensure ongoing demand.

3. Leasing and Financing Solutions for Local SMEs

   • Opportunity: The new bill supporting moveable collateral creates an opening for financial services to offer equipment leasing, loans, and short-term financing solutions for SMEs.

   • Notes: Collaborating with banks and offering flexible terms will appeal to SMEs. Focusing on equipment and construction financing aligns with growing market demand.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Real Estate and Mixed-Use Development for New Housing Projects

   • Opportunity: The expansion along East Bank Demerara calls for multi-use residential and commercial development. Large firms can develop full communities, integrating residential, retail, and leisure spaces.

   • Notes: Eco-friendly construction will align with global trends and meet future regulations. Coordination with the government on infrastructure will streamline project phases.

2. LNG Export and Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: A new report confirms LNG export as a profitable avenue for Guyana, allowing large enterprises to lead in LNG infrastructure, shipping, and export operations.

   • Notes: Building export routes and signing contracts with major buyers will secure a stable revenue stream. The focus should remain on environmental compliance and efficient infrastructure for sustainable operations.

3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Infrastructure and Rural Development

   • Opportunity: With government initiatives in housing and agriculture, PPPs can yield lucrative contracts for infrastructure that supports public goals. Large firms can invest in road networks, water systems, and agricultural processing plants.

   • Notes: Establishing transparent agreements with government agencies will secure funding and provide long-term revenue. Successful PPPs also position firms favorably for future projects.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

• Customized Event and Corporate Gift Services for New Businesses and Trade Delegations

  • Opportunity: With the influx of international interest and corporate events (like the UK trade delegation and the ExxonMobil GSL T20 tournament), there is growing demand for unique, high-quality corporate gifts and event favors. This side hustle could involve sourcing local artisan products or creating custom bundles that highlight Guyana’s culture, including small batches of locally sourced items (such as spices, artisanal crafts, or packaged treats).

  • Notes: Focus on providing hassle-free, curated gift packages that companies can distribute at events or as welcome gifts. This requires minimal startup costs, as items can be sourced locally, and orders can be customized as demand grows. Partnering with local craftspeople or small producers adds a unique, local touch that’s appealing to international guests.

• On-Demand Delivery Services for High-Demand Events and Product Launches

  • Opportunity: With major retail promotions (like Massy Stores’ SUV giveaway) and ongoing events, a high-value side hustle could be a personal delivery service catering to event attendees or shoppers. This would be especially useful in Georgetown, where time and traffic can be challenges. Services can include delivering promotional goods, last-mile delivery for retail outlets, or even handling logistics for trade shows and large gatherings.

  • Notes: Using personal vehicles or rented scooters, delivery times can be coordinated to coincide with peak demand periods for maximum efficiency. By working with businesses that frequently need same-day deliveries (like Massy or hospitality companies), individuals can offer flexible, pay-per-delivery options that fit around their full-time jobs. Creating an app or even just using WhatsApp for bookings can streamline operations without high initial investments.

• Real Estate Marketing and Property Management for New Housing Developments

  • Opportunity: With 7,000 new housing lots in development, there’s a significant need for on-the-ground support in marketing and managing these properties. A side hustle in real estate marketing could involve helping owners promote their properties to potential renters or buyers through social media, video tours, or property management services for those out of town.

  • Notes: This side hustle is perfect for those who are social media-savvy and have good networking skills. An initial approach could be to offer online listings, virtual tours, or management services for a monthly fee. This is especially valuable for owners or investors who may not live locally but want to earn passive income on their properties. By offering added services like tenant vetting and maintenance coordination, this hustle can build steady income with limited hours.