Building Expo 2025: Tech, Sustainability & 370+ Booths

Slated for August 14–17, Building Expo 2025 will be Guyana’s largest yet, featuring over 370 booths and a focus on smart city development, green construction, and investment opportunities. With highlights such as a 3D model of Silica City and housing allocations under the Dream Realised initiative, Housing Minister Collin Croal described the event as more than a trade show—it's a vision for Guyana 2030 and beyond. FIFA is footing GY$9.5 million of the bill, with open calls for private-sector sponsors.

New Airstrip Opens Access to Mahaica Farming Region

Air Services Limited has commissioned a new airstrip in Handsome Tree, Mahaica, promising improved logistics for farming and rural transport. Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill called the development “transformational,” highlighting the role of private sector investment in regional upliftment. The airstrip is expected to reduce transit time and increase efficiency for agricultural operators and other services.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Digital Literacy & Exam Coaching for Police Recruits

Why it works: The Guyana Police Force has launched an online recruitment test platform, signaling a shift toward tech-driven evaluation. Many applicants from rural or underprivileged backgrounds may need support navigating this new system.
Opportunity: Launch a service offering prep classes, mock tests, and digital literacy tutoring for police aspirants.
Notes: Use mobile-friendly platforms and partner with community centers or cyber cafes.

2. Custom Trade Booth Design & Rentals for Building Expo 2025

Why it works: With over 370 booths expected and a growing wave of diaspora and foreign interest in exhibiting, there is a clear need for affordable, creative booth setups.
Opportunity: Create a turnkey booth-building service, offering furniture rental, branding, signage, and lighting solutions.
Notes: Collaborate with local carpenters, graphic designers, and logistics companies to build a flexible service model.

3. Airstrip Services & Rural Logistics Support (Mahaica & Hinterland)

Why it works: The new airstrip in Handsome Tree opens access to agricultural communities in Mahaica. Air travel will likely increase among farmers, traders, and health workers.
Opportunity: Provide baggage handling, rural shuttle services, cargo consolidation, or even refreshment vending around the airstrip.
Notes: Low initial capex if services are human-powered or vehicle-based.

Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Women's Football Talent Management & Sponsorship Agency

Why it works: The Women’s Division 1 Football League has launched with mandatory team formation from elite male clubs and a G$1M prize. Talent scouting, training, and media coverage will grow.
Opportunity: Create an agency that manages female athletes, negotiates sponsorships, and develops training camps.
Notes: Can expand into branded merchandise, athlete endorsements, and youth development.

2. Modular Courtroom & Government Facility Fabrication

Why it works: The new Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court is part of a broader rollout of judicial infrastructure. Government is funding upgrades nationwide.
Opportunity: Offer prefab or modular government buildings using local materials and fast construction techniques.
Notes: This can scale to health posts, NDC buildings, or border posts as demand for decentralized services grows.

3. Cybersecurity & AML Compliance Advisory for High-Risk Sectors

Why it works: Jagdeo’s comments on sanctions and financial system risks show increased sensitivity to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) enforcement. Businesses involved in cambio, real estate, mining, and logistics face new scrutiny.
Opportunity: Launch a compliance and cybersecurity consultancy focused on helping SMEs meet AML and KYC requirements.
Notes: Partner with law firms or ex-Bank of Guyana staff. Initial market includes cambios, financial startups, and crypto users.

Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Energy-Efficient Housing Development Linked to Silica City Vision

Why it works: The Building Expo and Silica City model show the government’s push toward smart, green housing. Diaspora investment and government-backed financing make now a prime entry point.
Opportunity: Develop housing schemes or smart suburbs near Silica City using solar, smart meters, and prefab tech.
Notes: Access long-term mortgage buyers and public-private financing schemes.

2. Oil Block Exploration Bidding & Consortium Formation

Why it works: Exxon has relinquished 20% of the Stabroek Block, and Guyana may open these areas for auction or reassignment.
Opportunity: Form a consortium with upstream oil companies to bid for exploration rights.
Notes: Requires political alignment, high capital, and technical partners—but the payoff could be enormous.

3. Tech Infrastructure for E-Government & Digital Justice

Why it works: With online policing tests and national registries like the sexual offender database rolling out, government ICT needs are growing.
Opportunity: Develop enterprise-level solutions for cloud storage, citizen databases, and secure digital ID systems.
Notes: Government IT tenders will grow. Joint ventures with Caribbean or Canadian GovTech firms could accelerate entry.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Trade Show Booth Setup & Rental Service (Weekend-Based)

Why it works: With over 370 booths confirmed for Building Expo 2025 and ongoing demand for small business expos, there’s a need for affordable, creative booth setups using PVC, mesh, foam board, and printed wraps.
What to do: Offer weekend-based installation of trade show booths for vendors, including table branding, banner printing, and basic lighting.
Startup cost: Less than GY$100,000 with access to basic carpentry, signage suppliers, and a vehicle.
Scalability: Expand into expo merchandise like chairs, portable counters, and signage rentals.

2. Police Exam Coaching & Prep Classes (Evenings/Online)

Why it works: The new Police Force digital testing system has created a knowledge gap for rural applicants unfamiliar with online exams. Many seek tutoring for English, math, and digital readiness.
What to do: Create after-hours or online prep classes for police exam applicants using WhatsApp, PDF workbooks, and basic digital tutorials.
Startup cost: Near zero. You just need educational content and a small marketing budget on Facebook or TikTok.
Scalability: Package into a paid digital course later or partner with local internet cafes for offline access.

3. Mobile Document Filing & Registry Support (Weekend/Night Model)

Why it works: With upcoming legal changes like the national sex offenders registry and ongoing government digitization, citizens will increasingly need help accessing, filing, and printing government forms.
What to do: Offer a mobile service to help people complete applications, print and submit documents, or book online government appointments—especially for those with limited digital skills.
Startup cost: A laptop, printer, and Wi-Fi hotspot or data plan. Operate from home or go mobile.
Scalability: Expand into NIS claims help, pension queries, land registry support, or immigration document prep.