Government Pushes for Minimum Service Standards in Health and Education

The Guyana Government has announced a transformative policy to set minimum service standards in health and education. The initiative includes ensuring consistent medication supplies, improving facility maintenance, and decentralizing services for regional accessibility. A quality assurance body will oversee these standards, ensuring equitable service delivery. President Irfaan Ali reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to leveraging record investments in health and education to improve citizens’ lives across Guyana.

$1 Billion in Small Business Grants Disbursed Since 2020

The Small Business Bureau (SBB) has distributed nearly $1 billion in grants to over 4,000 entrepreneurs nationwide since 2020, fostering growth and sustainability within the small business sector. According to CEO Mohamed Shazim Ibrahim, 85% of these businesses remain operational, with 40% reporting measurable growth. The SBB also facilitates loans of up to $30 million through partnerships with major banks and offers specialized disability fund loans, providing up to $500,000 in interest-free funding for disabled entrepreneurs. These efforts align with national goals of poverty alleviation and economic development through entrepreneurship.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Renewable Energy Solutions for Health Boats and Remote Areas

   • Opportunity: Develop and supply solar-powered equipment such as refrigerators, portable generators, or solar charging stations to complement the government’s expansion of health boats and other remote healthcare initiatives.

   • Why It Works: Solar power is already integral to the health boats. SMEs can capitalize by offering complementary technologies, especially as replication plans for these boats expand.

   • Notes: Partner with NGOs or government agencies for pilot programs, focusing on low-cost, durable solutions tailored to Guyana’s remote regions.

2. Training and Compliance Services for Forestry Enterprises

   • Opportunity: Provide training and consultancy services to small loggers and forestry operators to meet European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) licensing standards.

   • Why It Works: With the government aiming to issue FLEGT licenses by 2026, smaller players in the forestry sector will need guidance on compliance and sustainable practices.

   • Notes: Build partnerships with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to develop approved training modules. This can also serve as an entry point to offer tech solutions for traceability.

3. Local Craft and Sustainable Souvenirs at Regional Hospitals

   • Opportunity: Create and sell locally made crafts, eco-friendly products, or sustainable souvenirs near newly constructed hospitals like the $6 billion Regional Hospital at Bath Settlement.

   • Why It Works: Increased foot traffic at these hospitals offers a ready customer base, and sustainable crafts align with Guyana’s focus on environmental responsibility.

   • Notes: Collaborate with local artisans and market these as “One Guyana” themed items, aligning with national branding efforts.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Specialized Transport and Logistics for Submarine Cable Protection

   • Opportunity: Offer marine transport and monitoring services to prevent incidents like the damage to GPL’s submarine cable in the Demerara River. Services could include real-time monitoring and enforcement of restricted zones.

   • Why It Works: Large-scale infrastructure like cables and pipelines is growing with the oil and gas boom. Proactive protection services are critical and can save stakeholders millions in repair costs.

   • Notes: Build a business case around preventing downtime and revenue loss for utility companies and other critical infrastructure operators.

2. Fisheries and Aquaculture Support Services

   • Opportunity: Set up supply chains for fishing equipment, safety gear, and cold storage solutions to support initiatives like the $110 million wharf at West Berbice.

   • Why It Works: The government’s focus on improving facilities for fisherfolk, coupled with ongoing investments in the fishing industry, creates demand for quality supplies and services.

   • Notes: Partner with cooperatives or fishing associations to better understand their specific needs and tailor your offerings accordingly.

3. Educational Technology Solutions for UG and Schools

   • Opportunity: Provide digital platforms or resources for online and hybrid learning, given UG’s growing enrollment and institutional accreditation. Solutions could include learning management systems, online testing tools, or virtual labs.

   • Why It Works: UG’s focus on improving standards, along with the broader expansion of school medical testing, indicates growing investment in education infrastructure.

   • Notes: Highlight how your solutions improve accessibility and efficiency for both educators and students.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Public-Private Partnerships for Health Infrastructure Development

   • Opportunity: Collaborate with the government to expand the health boat initiative and construct health hubs in remote areas. Offer large-scale infrastructure solutions like modular clinics or mobile health units.

   • Why It Works: The government’s commitment to healthcare access, supported by a $143.2 billion allocation, presents opportunities for large-scale investments.

   • Notes: Focus on scalable models that align with government goals and CSR priorities.

2. Large-Scale Timber and Carbon Credit Ventures

   • Opportunity: Establish forestry operations that align with FLEGT standards while leveraging Guyana’s carbon credit potential. Invest in reforestation and sustainable timber practices to sell carbon offsets and certified timber.

   • Why It Works: Guyana’s $750 million carbon credit deal with Hess Corporation demonstrates strong international interest in carbon markets, offering dual revenue streams from timber and credits.

   • Notes: Partnerships with the government and international organizations can strengthen credibility and access to markets.

3. Commercial Real Estate Development Near New Hospitals and Wharves

   • Opportunity: Invest in commercial complexes near new infrastructure projects like the $6 billion Bath Settlement Regional Hospital or the West Berbice Wharf. Potential tenants include retail stores, medical offices, and logistics firms.

   • Why It Works: These hubs will attract consistent traffic, creating demand for supportive commercial spaces.

   • Notes: Incorporate sustainable design and eco-friendly amenities to align with national priorities and attract quality tenants.

Strategic Notes Across All Tiers

• Networking: Forge partnerships with government entities, such as the Ministry of Health or Forestry Commission, for credibility and early access to tenders.

• Sustainability: Highlight environmentally friendly practices, aligning with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) goals.

• Funding: Leverage grants, such as those from the Small Business Bureau, or collaborate with international development partners to offset initial investment risks.

• Local Focus: Prioritize sourcing materials and talent locally to gain government and community support while reducing costs.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Solar-Powered Cold Storage Rentals for Fisherfolk

• What: Set up small solar-powered cold storage units that can be rented by fisherfolk at landing sites like the new $110 million wharf in West Berbice. These units allow fishermen to store their catch longer, improving freshness and increasing their selling prices.

• Why It Works: The fishing industry is expanding with significant government investments in landing sites. Cold storage is essential but still limited in many areas.

• How to Start: Partner with local fisherfolk to identify demand. Use a small solar generator and insulated storage boxes. Start with a few units and expand as demand grows.

• Estimated Investment: $2,500 - $5,000 USD to set up initial storage units and solar power.

2. Forestry Compliance and Documentation Services

• What: Offer a part-time service to assist small loggers and forestry operators with preparing documentation, meeting compliance standards, and applying for FLEGT licenses.

• Why It Works: With Guyana’s forestry sector moving toward EU compliance, many small operators will struggle to navigate the bureaucracy. A knowledgeable individual can assist for a fee.

• How to Start: Learn the basics of forestry compliance through free resources or short online courses. Offer services on evenings or weekends to help operators with applications and compliance checklists.

• Estimated Investment: $500 - $1,000 USD for training and promotional materials.

3. Subscription-Based Kids’ Educational Kits

• What: Create monthly educational activity kits for kids focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Include fun experiments, puzzles, and local themes, such as Guyana’s wildlife or oil industry.

• Why It Works: With increased focus on education through initiatives like free UG tuition and expanded healthcare testing in schools, parents are willing to invest in enriching extracurricular activities.

• How to Start: Source affordable materials locally or online, design activity booklets, and create starter kits. Market through social media and local schools. Offer a subscription model for steady income.

• Estimated Investment: $1,000 - $2,000 USD for initial inventory and marketing.

Strategic Notes

• Marketing: Leverage WhatsApp groups, Facebook, and TikTok to reach local audiences.

• Scalability: Start small with a pilot program or single unit/service, then expand based on demand.

• Localization: Adapt services or products to Guyanese culture and local industries to maximize relevance and appeal.
  These ideas balance high potential with low barriers to entry, ideal for people looking to supplement their income in Guyana's booming economy.