Guyana’s Corn & Soya Expansion Attracts 15 New Investors

Guyana’s growing corn and soya industry is set for a major boost as 15 new investors join the sector, aiming to increase local production and reduce reliance on imports. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha announced the expansion, highlighting that major producers like Tacama Gold will cultivate 5,000 hectares, with others contributing between 1,000 and 3,000 hectares. Since its pilot phase in 2021, the industry has scaled significantly, with Guyana aiming to become a net exporter by 2025. The government has already invested over $1.2 billion in infrastructure to support this growth, including improved roads and a drying and storage facility to aid local farmers.

Jagdeo Pushes for Sports as a Business Model to Drive Economic Growth

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has called for the commercialization of sports in Guyana, arguing that government investment should go beyond infrastructure to create professional opportunities for athletes. While the government has launched major sports facility projects—including five new stadiums and multipurpose indoor centers—Jagdeo emphasized that a sustainable revenue model is necessary for sports to contribute to national economic development. He hinted at an upcoming international boxing event to position Guyana as a global player in sports tourism.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs) – Scalable, Low-Investment, High-Growth Potential

1. Renewable Energy Installation & Maintenance Services

   • With Suriname offering expertise in hydropower and Guyana aggressively expanding its renewable energy sector (Amaila Falls, solar projects, and IDB-backed energy infrastructure), small enterprises can position themselves as service providers for solar panel installations, battery storage maintenance, and energy efficiency solutions.

   • Opportunity: Target both residential and commercial clients for solar power systems, leveraging government incentives for renewable energy adoption.

   • Notes: Training and certification in solar and wind energy installation will be key. Partnering with larger energy firms for subcontracting can create steady revenue streams.

2. Agricultural Equipment Leasing & Supply Services

   • With 15 new investors entering the corn and soya industry and the government expanding agricultural infrastructure, farmers and agribusinesses will need equipment, seeds, and inputs.

   • Opportunity: A small business could lease agricultural machinery (tractors, harvesters) or sell high-quality farming inputs (fertilizers, seeds, irrigation systems) to new and existing farmers.

   • Notes: Forming relationships with cooperatives and large farming projects can ensure consistent business. Partnering with government-backed agricultural initiatives can open up access to funding and grants.

3. Construction & Skilled Labor Services for the Canal No. 2 Hotel & Theme Park Project

   • The US$12.7M hotel and theme park will require a range of construction services, including tiling, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and landscaping. Small businesses can supply labor, materials, and interior furnishing solutions.

   • Opportunity: SMEs can provide contract-based skilled labor or offer interior decoration and furniture tailored for the hospitality industry.

   • Notes: Establishing contacts with Skyline Contracting Services and other developers early can help secure contracts before major phases of construction begin.

Medium Enterprises (MEs) – Growth-Oriented, Scalable, Capital-Intensive

1. Oil & Gas Supply Chain Logistics and Procurement Services

   • With SBM Offshore’s Local Content push and the Local Content App launch, mid-sized companies can enter oil & gas procurement, warehousing, and supply chain management.

   • Opportunity: Establish a business providing procurement, logistics, and storage solutions for the oil and gas sector, ensuring compliance with local content regulations.

   • Notes: Offering bulk spare parts and maintenance services for offshore vessels and FPSO operations can ensure long-term contracts with oil majors.

2. Specialized Skills Training for the Oil & Gas Sector

   • With Schlumberger’s HR Director predicting a high demand for specialized skills in carbon management, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, vocational training institutes can develop technical training programs.

   • Opportunity: Build a certified training center in collaboration with oil majors and government agencies, focusing on advanced technical skills needed in the energy sector.

   • Notes: Getting government-backed accreditation and partnerships with international energy firms will enhance credibility.

3. Agricultural Processing for Corn & Soya Production

   • With Guyana aiming for self-sufficiency in livestock feed, there is a huge gap in agro-processing. Medium enterprises can set up processing plants for corn and soya-based animal feed, catering to both local and export markets.

   • Opportunity: Invest in a milling and feed production facility that supplies local poultry, dairy, and aquaculture industries.

   • Notes: A well-structured supply agreement with large farms and access to cold storage and transportation will be key to success.

Large Enterprises – High Capital, Large-Scale, Long-Term Investments

1. Infrastructure Development & Engineering Contracts

   • With the Oxford professor endorsing Guyana’s infrastructure boom and over $209.1 billion allocated to roads, bridges, and highways, large firms can bid for government infrastructure projects or partner with international firms on major contracts.

   • Opportunity: Large construction and engineering firms should target public-private partnerships (PPPs) for transportation and energy infrastructure, including the Corentyne River Bridge, the Linden-Mabura Road project, and new urban development zones.

   • Notes: Focus on financing partnerships with multilateral institutions (IDB, World Bank) to co-finance infrastructure investments.

2. Hotel & Resort Development – Expansion into Tourism & Hospitality

   • With the boom in the hospitality industry (15 new hotels planned and the Canal No. 2 hotel project), large investors can acquire land and develop branded hotels, eco-resorts, and entertainment hubs.

   • Opportunity: Launch a chain of boutique hotels or eco-resorts targeting business travelers, expatriates, and eco-tourism.

   • Notes: Location is crucial—investing in high-traffic regions like Georgetown, Bartica, or near oil & gas hubs will yield higher returns.

3. Renewable Energy & Power Generation Investment

   • With Suriname’s Staatsolie offering hydropower expertise and Guyana ramping up its transition to renewable energy, large firms can invest in solar, wind, and hydro projects as part of the energy transition strategy.

   • Opportunity: Develop large-scale solar farms, battery storage solutions, and mini hydro plants to support Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

   • Notes: Government incentives, IDB funding, and partnerships with major oil players (ExxonMobil, Total, Hess) can be leveraged for financing and policy support.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The economic climate in Guyana is heavily shaped by oil wealth, but non-oil sectors are booming—from agriculture and infrastructure to tourism and renewable energy.

• Small businesses should focus on services and subcontracting in construction, energy, and agriculture.

• Medium businesses should target oil & gas supply chains, vocational training, and agro-processing.

• Large enterprises should capitalize on major infrastructure, renewable energy, and hospitality investments.

To succeed, businesses need to align with government policies, leverage local content mandates, and secure partnerships with international players for capital and expertise.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Executive Business Concierge Service

Why It Works

• The oil boom has brought high-net-worth business professionals to Guyana, many of whom lack local knowledge and need assistance navigating the business environment.

• Executives need VIP-level service for meetings, appointments, networking, and travel arrangements.

• This is a high-ticket service with low overhead costs.

How to Start

• Offer personalized business assistance to executives and expatriates, including:

  • Scheduling VIP restaurant reservations & business meetings

  • Handling document processing (permits, licenses, etc.)

  • Arranging luxury transport & accommodations

  • Sourcing local business contacts & deal facilitation

• Market through LinkedIn, networking events, and direct connections in oil & gas, finance, and government sectors.

• Charge a premium service fee per task or offer monthly retainer packages for ongoing clients.

Potential Earnings

• Per task: GYD $15,000 – $50,000

• Monthly retainer for executives: GYD $200,000 – $500,000

• Scalability: Can grow into a full-scale corporate concierge and relocation service.

2. Premium Import & Resale – Construction & Home Finishing Products

Why It Works

• The real estate boom and massive infrastructure projects have increased demand for high-quality building materials and home finishes that are not readily available locally.

• Developers, contractors, and homeowners are willing to pay more for better-quality imported materials.

• This solves a real problem and can be started on a small scale with minimal investment.

How to Start

• Identify in-demand items such as:

  • Smart home devices (smart locks, video doorbells, thermostats)

  • Premium bathroom and kitchen fixtures (rainfall showers, modern sinks, faucets)

  • Energy-efficient LED lighting & solar-powered home products

• Import small batches from the U.S., Canada, or China and sell via WhatsApp Business, Facebook Marketplace, and Instagram.

• Partner with contractors, real estate agents, and interior designers to recommend your products to their clients.

Potential Earnings

• Markup per product: 50% – 150%

• Potential monthly revenue: GYD $500,000 – $1,500,000 (depending on volume)

• Scalability: Can grow into a full import business supplying developers and contractors.

3. Specialized Workforce Training for Oil & Gas Support Services

Why It Works

• Guyana’s oil and gas sector is growing fast, but many job seekers lack the necessary skills to work in the industry.

• Entry-level training in specific skills can help people land higher-paying jobs in oil and gas, construction, or logistics.

• Companies are willing to pay for skilled workers, making this a profitable business opportunity.

How to Start

• Offer short, specialized training programs in high-demand skills like:

  • OSHA safety certification

  • Warehouse logistics & forklift operation

  • Basic rigging & lifting operations

  • Industrial first aid & emergency response

• Use rented training space or partner with an existing facility.

• Charge GYD $20,000 – $50,000 per course per person, with classes of 10-30 students per session.

• Market to job seekers, technical school graduates, and existing workers looking to upgrade their skills.

Potential Earnings

• Revenue per session: GYD $200,000 – $1,000,000

• Scalability: Can expand into a full vocational training institute or online training platform.

Final Thoughts & Best Fit Per Hustler Type

• For professionals & networkers → Executive Business Concierge

• For traders & importers → Premium Construction & Home Finishing Products

• For educators & trainers → Specialized Workforce Training

These side hustles tap into Guyana’s growing economic sectors while requiring minimal investment and offering high earning potential.