15 Entrepreneurs Awarded $2 Million Each for Green Businesses

The ENGAGE Project, promoting green entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability, awarded 15 entrepreneurs from Regions Three and Six with seed funding of $2 million each. Sponsored by Scotiabank and Van Oord, the programme offered training and mentorship to participants, helping transform their eco-friendly business ideas into viable ventures. The project aims to train a total of 1,000 youths nationwide, supporting Guyana's green economy growth.

Fourth Oil Vessel Arrives in Guyana; Production Set to Reach 900,000 Barrels Daily

The arrival of the ONE GUYANA FPSO vessel in Guyanese waters marks another milestone in the country’s oil production. Built by SBM Offshore for ExxonMobil’s Yellowtail development, this vessel has a production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day, bringing Guyana’s total production to around 900,000 barrels daily once fully operational later this year. This development underscores Guyana’s expanding role as a major global energy supplier, promising increased job creation, economic growth, and national development.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Opportunities for Small Enterprises:

1. Agri-Business Starter Kits and Training

With the government's new initiative to empower 400 single mothers through agricultural businesses in East Berbice-Corentyne, there is immediate demand for starter kits, training workshops, and related agricultural consultancy services. Small enterprises can supply shade house installations, poultry farming kits, beekeeping equipment, and technical support services tailored specifically for new, home-based agribusinesses.
Note: Strong potential for partnerships with local government agencies or NGOs to facilitate initial setups.

2. Local Security and Infrastructure Maintenance Services

Goed Fortuin’s community enhancements—including street lights, CCTV installation, drainage excavation, and road upgrades—present opportunities for small contractors to offer maintenance, repair, and monitoring services. Businesses could provide maintenance for public lighting, security camera installations, road and bridge inspections, or operate mini excavators for community-level drainage management.
Note: Recurring contracts with local municipalities would secure steady income streams.

3. Digital Appointment & Scheduling Services for Healthcare Providers

With Guyana transitioning to digital clinic appointment systems starting at the Campbellville Polyclinic, small enterprises offering digital solutions—such as appointment scheduling software, mobile apps, and data management—could capitalize on growing digital adoption in healthcare. Businesses could offer localized customer support, training, and integration services for public clinics and healthcare providers.
Note: High growth potential if expanded across multiple regions nationwide.

Opportunities for Medium Enterprises:

1. Eco-Tourism & Cultural Showcase Packages

Given Guyana’s highly successful participation at the World Expo 2025 in Japan, medium-sized businesses can leverage increased global awareness by developing tailored eco-tourism and cultural experience packages. Enterprises could offer curated experiences involving rainforest exploration, indigenous community tours, cultural festivals, and sustainable accommodations to capitalize on heightened international visibility.
Note: Strong alignment with the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy; collaboration with Guyana Tourism Authority advised.

2. Local Content and Support Services for Oil & Gas Sector

The arrival of the ONE GUYANA FPSO, increasing daily oil production capacity to around 900,000 barrels, significantly expands opportunities for medium enterprises to provide local support services. Potential areas include offshore catering, vessel maintenance, technical training, transportation logistics, safety services, and specialized human resources management tailored to the oil and gas sector.
Note: Businesses should aim for certification and compliance with ExxonMobil’s stringent procurement standards to ensure successful integration.

3. Gold Trading Compliance and Consultancy Services

With renewed government emphasis on licensing enforcement for gold trading, medium-sized consultancy and compliance firms can capitalize on providing regulatory advisory, licensing support, auditing services, and training to existing and prospective gold dealers. These businesses can help clients ensure compliance, avoid legal pitfalls, and maintain smooth operations within this heavily regulated industry.
Note: High value in specialization, legal advisory, and client risk mitigation.

Opportunities for Large Enterprises:

1. Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Development

With projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydropower initiative and the futuristic Silica City receiving international attention, large enterprises can pursue significant investments and project execution roles in renewable energy infrastructure, urban planning, and construction. Businesses can propose public-private partnerships, participate in tender processes, or offer specialized engineering and construction services critical to these large-scale projects.
Note: Investment in large-scale renewable projects aligns with Guyana’s broader sustainability agenda and offers stable, long-term returns.

2. Advanced Digital Health Systems and National Rollout

Given the government’s commitment to digitizing public healthcare services nationwide, larger enterprises could provide comprehensive digital health management systems, telemedicine infrastructure, data security solutions, and national-scale digital appointment systems. Businesses capable of offering integrated software, hardware solutions, training, and ongoing tech support can secure substantial contracts with the Ministry of Health.
Note: Opportunity for significant public contracts and long-term relationships with the government sector.

3. Regional Logistics and Export Facilitation

The impact of new reciprocal US tariffs presents large enterprises with opportunities to develop sophisticated logistics, export facilitation, and compliance services tailored to mitigate trade barriers. Businesses could offer customs clearance, warehousing, trade financing solutions, tariff consultancy, and compliance auditing services aimed specifically at maintaining Guyana’s competitive advantage in export markets, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and fisheries sectors.
Note: Strong potential to become a key strategic partner for exporters and government stakeholders managing international trade relations.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Agri-Tech Setup Services

With the government pushing backyard agriculture and home-based agribusinesses (especially for single mothers), offering a mobile service to build and maintain small shade houses, poultry coops, or home garden setups could be profitable. You’d provide the physical setup, initial training, and ongoing support, catering to busy households and new entrepreneurs.

2. Local Content Training & Consultancy

As oil production grows and local content regulations tighten, professionals with experience in HR, business compliance, or training can offer weekend workshops or online sessions for small businesses and individuals looking to enter the oil and gas sector. Simple certification or compliance sessions could easily be monetized.

3. Healthcare Appointment Management Services

Given the government’s push towards digital health services, tech-savvy individuals can offer personalized digital scheduling and reminder services for older or less tech-savvy patients. This could include setting up appointments, reminders via WhatsApp or calls, and arranging transportation, catering specifically to the elderly or busy professionals who prefer hassle-free clinic visits.