Over $10B in Infrastructure Contracts Rolled Out in Region Ten

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister Juan Edghill announced a major $10 billion investment in infrastructure projects for Region Ten, aimed at empowering small contractors and boosting local employment. More than 700 contractors are expected to benefit, with projects including roadworks in Kwakwani and a new $250 million airstrip. The move reflects the administration’s push to decentralize economic growth and broaden private sector participation in national development.

Mahdia’s First Housing Scheme Brings $493M Investment and Construction Opportunities

A GYD $493 million housing development is underway in Mahdia, Region Eight, offering over 300 house lots and creating short-term opportunities for six contracted construction firms. Scheduled for completion by October, the project is part of the government’s wider housing strategy. It includes new drainage, roads, and a planned well to improve water supply. Businesses in construction, materials supply, and residential services may find near-term contract and growth opportunities in this emerging township.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Local Contractor Services in Region 10 & Agricultural Regions
   Why it works: With over $10B GYD in small contractor infrastructure works allocated in Region 10 and the Cane Grove/East Coast corridor seeing new agri-investment and drainage upgrades, there’s a strong need for micro-contractors specializing in road surfacing, trenching, revetment, and maintenance.
   Execution: Form small contracting teams (3–10 persons), bid for subcontracts or form JVs with larger contractors. Start with services like concrete mixing, trench clearing, or material supply.

2. Agri-BPO and Compliance Assistance for Rural Farmers
   Why it works: Government and regional partners are ramping up climate finance, agri-projects, and farm-to-market linkages. Small farmers will need help accessing grants, understanding climate-smart agriculture, and meeting compliance for food safety and climate criteria.
   Execution: Launch a freelance or micro-agency offering application support, climate risk advisory, or digital record-keeping for farmers in regions like Mahaica, Berbice, or Cane Grove. Price service at $20K–50K/month per client.

3. Rural Logistics or Mobile Agri-Retail Kiosks
   Why it works: With rural housing schemes and agri-expansion occurring in Mahdia and Cane Grove, underserved communities will need access to food, tools, and basic goods.
   Execution: Launch a single refrigerated van or mobile kiosk that supplies groceries, agro-inputs, and household items once or twice weekly to remote villages. Use WhatsApp pre-ordering to streamline delivery.

Top 3 Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Training & Certification Centers for Oil, Gas & Agriculture
   Why it works: With 3,000+ locals trained and nearly all employed in oil and gas via OPITO-certified programs, and further emphasis from IICA and Guyana’s agri-push, there’s demand for more localized, certified training in safety, offshore, drone mapping, agri-mechanics, and food processing.
   Execution: Partner with technical institutions or foreign trainers to deliver short-term certified programs. Target regions like Lusignan, Berbice, and Linden. Explore PPP models with Ministries or agencies like Go-Invest.

2. Agri-Tech Implementation & Equipment Leasing
   Why it works: With emphasis on food security, drainage projects, and the scale of agri-production now recognized globally (BBC Science Focus), farmers need automation. Yet most can’t afford capital purchases outright.
   Execution: Establish a leasing company or franchise with GPS-enabled tractors, harvesters, or drones. Bundle services with training and maintenance. Charge seasonal leases or per-acre service fees.

3. Sustainable Construction & Public Infrastructure JVs
   Why it works: Over 700 public contracts signed, along with regional airstrip, drainage, and housing works in remote regions. Local content law enforcement means foreign primes are looking for reliable local partners.
   Execution: Form JVs or supplier relationships with Tier 1 and 2 contractors. Focus on modular construction, low-cost housing, civil works, or maintenance support. Position for recurring maintenance contracts post-completion.

Top 3 Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Gas Infrastructure & LNG Development Joint Ventures
   Why it works: Exxon is expanding oil production and Fulcrum LNG is shortlisted for monetising excess gas. While no new deals will be signed pre-election, groundwork for 2026 implementation can start now.
   Execution: Position to offer EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction), marine logistics, or processing facilities. Target opportunities around Wales, the proposed gas corridor, or localised LNG packaging for transport use.

2. Climate-Smart Agribusiness & Export Processing
   Why it works: Guyana’s global food security ranking and CARICOM support for regional agri-exports present ideal conditions for large-scale export ventures. Ibrahim’s IICA candidacy further anchors this potential.
   Execution: Establish regional agri-processing hubs (e.g. for cassava, pineapple, aquaculture), targeting EU or North American buyers. Leverage climate resilience financing, co-invest with CARICOM funds, or tap ESG capital.

3. Specialised Oilfield Services or FPSO Support Hubs
   Why it works: With production at 625,000 bpd and climbing to 810,000 by 2027, Exxon’s offshore infrastructure needs constant support. Additionally, they’ve purchased all three FPSOs, indicating long-term commitment.
   Execution: Develop onshore facilities for warehousing, subsea repair, marine logistics, or composite repair services. Explore land leasing near Georgetown port or use existing industrial zones to reduce setup time.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Remote Grant Application & Tender Support Service

Why it works: With over 700 infrastructure contracts rolled out and a surge in agriculture and small contractor projects, many micro-entrepreneurs and farmers need help applying for government tenders, climate financing, or training programs.
Execution: Offer a service where you help small businesses or farmers complete online applications, write basic proposals, or format tender documents on evenings or weekends. Charge $15,000–$40,000 GYD per application or monthly retainers for ongoing support.
Start-up needs: A laptop, basic Microsoft Office or Google Docs skills, and access to GRA/NIS/go-invest forms.

2. Drone Mapping & Land Photography for Farmers and Contractors

Why it works: The agriculture sector is scaling up and rural infrastructure projects are booming. Farmers need aerial views for planning drainage or planting. Contractors need "before and after" visuals for government reporting or marketing.
Execution: Invest in a low-cost drone and offer weekend services for aerial mapping, farm overviews, or site progress updates. Charge $25,000–$75,000 GYD per session depending on location and deliverables.
Start-up needs: A DJI Mini drone, online drone tutorials, and free editing tools like CapCut or Canva for visuals.

3. Home-Based Tapeball League Merch & Snack Delivery

Why it works: The Kares One Guyana T10 Tournament is growing nationally, and local tapeball culture is strong. There's a wave of fan engagement and small team formations across the regions.
Execution: Offer branded shirts, hats, or snacks via WhatsApp and Facebook to teams and fans. Source custom print items in Georgetown and resell in your region. Combine it with weekend snack box deliveries during match hours.
Start-up needs: A basic inventory of caps, blank shirts, access to a print shop or Cricut, and a few GYD 5,000 snack packages with chips, drinks, and local products.