Mortgage Ceiling at NBS May Increase to G$30 Million

President Irfaan Ali has directed the New Building Society (NBS) to raise its mortgage ceiling from G$20 million to G$30 million, with a capped 5% interest rate. The move, aimed at making home ownership more accessible, is part of a broader government plan to stimulate the housing market and facilitate affordable financing for small and medium businesses.

Business impact: Could trigger a real estate boom and increase demand for construction services, materials, and home-related goods. Also aligns with the government’s drive to support SME growth through affordable credit.

President Ali Commits to Better Wages and Tax Relief for Workers

In a Labour Day address, President Irfaan Ali pledged higher incomes, reduced taxes, and better social services under the current government. He emphasized the state’s commitment to improving worker well-being with actionable reforms in health care, education, and utilities.

Business impact: Indicates rising disposable income and potential consumer spending growth. Companies should prepare for shifts in labor expectations and costs.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Green Construction Compliance & Auditing Services

With the Four Points by Sheraton becoming Guyana’s first EDGE-certified hotel, demand is rising for eco-compliance in hospitality and commercial real estate. Small businesses can offer affordable green building consultancy, audit preparation, and certification support for local developers aiming to meet international standards.

Note: This niche is largely underserved locally. Training in EDGE/LEED compliance can unlock long-term B2B contracts.

2. Youth Sports Equipment & Facility Maintenance Services

Private partners like Fixit Hardware are backing youth sports. Small firms can offer field maintenance, turf care, and affordable sports equipment rentals to schools, academies, and associations—especially in underserved hinterland and regional areas.

Note: Partnerships with the Guyana Golf Association or cricket clubs can help expand market access and build credibility.

3. Disaster Simulation Support Logistics

With MECODEX 2025 hosted in Guyana, there's a short- and long-term opportunity for small firms to offer logistics, catering, mobile tech rental, and transportation services to regional and international disaster simulation events.

Note: This can evolve into subcontracting opportunities with the Civil Defence Commission or OAS-related disaster drills.

Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Offshore Oil & Gas Equipment Servicing

OES's potential relocation to Guyana will increase demand for component servicing, welding, instrumentation, and light fabrication. Mid-sized companies can offer specialized workshops or mobile servicing units to support this new wave of industrial activity.

Note: Collaboration with AMSI or other Tier 2 contractors could lead to subcontracting opportunities with TechnipFMC or Exxon.

2. Green Hotel Supply Chain Services

The EDGE-certified Four Points Hotel is a signal that green hotels are coming. Medium enterprises can supply energy-efficient appliances, biodegradable amenities, filtered water systems, and other sustainability-compliant items for hospitality.

Note: Building direct procurement relationships with hospitality groups and positioning as a certified green supplier could give a competitive edge.

3. Civic Engagement Training & Materials Provider

With the YOUthEngage592 programme expanding, a business that specializes in civic engagement kits, educational games, digital apps, and training modules for leadership and ethics education can secure B2G and donor-funded contracts.

Note: The growing push from VP Jagdeo to integrate civic education in schools creates stable institutional demand.

Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Offshore Manufacturing Park Development

With interest from OES and other offshore firms, there’s an opportunity to develop a dedicated Offshore Industrial Park with warehousing, fabrication zones, and bonded logistics near Georgetown or Region 3.

Note: Investors should explore public-private partnership (PPP) models or tax-exempt zones under GO-Invest.

2. High-End, Eco-Friendly Hotel Chain Expansion

The successful Sheraton investment shows that Guyana is ready for more global hospitality brands. Major developers can explore partnerships to launch branded, EDGE or LEED-certified eco-resorts in Region 1, Bartica, Lethem, or Essequibo.

Note: This aligns with Guyana’s tourism sustainability goals and rising international visitor numbers.

3. Telecom & Data Infrastructure for Security Integration

The APIPNR Bill opens the door for large enterprises to offer secure cloud platforms, passenger tracking systems, and API integration with airlines and border control. Telecom firms or global IT providers can support the rollout of this regional security framework.

Note: With Data Protection legislation also live, there's significant room for regional IT players to localize services.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Event Logistics & Setup Services for Corporate and Government Simulations

Opportunity: With Guyana hosting major simulations like MECODEX and other regional conferences, there is rising demand for reliable micro-providers of tents, signage, PA systems, badge printing, and last-mile transport.

Side Hustle Fit: Someone with a vehicle, organizational skills, and a small investment in basic event gear (or rental agreements) can offer “popup logistics” on weekends or evenings for extra income.

Why It Works: Growing influx of international delegations and disaster simulation events mean recurring demand. Government agencies often subcontract small vendors.

2. Green Cleaning Products or Eco-Room Kits for Airbnb and Boutique Hotels

Opportunity: As more green hotels like Four Points by Sheraton open and local tourism expands, there’s space for micro-entrepreneurs to supply eco-friendly cleaning solutions, toiletries, or room starter kits tailored to guest houses and small lodgings.

Side Hustle Fit: A person working full-time can produce or repackage biodegradable soaps, sanitizers, or mosquito-repelling sprays on the side and sell in small batches to eco-conscious hosts.

Why It Works: Sustainable tourism is trending, and most small hotel operators want simple, ready-made solutions to meet “green” expectations.

3. Drone or Photography Services for Landowners in Energy or Infrastructure Corridors

Opportunity: With land acquisition underway for the Gas-to-Energy corridor and construction activity increasing, landowners need documentation, visual inspections, and digital records.

Side Hustle Fit: A weekend drone operator or photographer can offer affordable aerial shots and digital walk-throughs to landowners, small developers, or lawyers handling compensation.

Why It Works: It’s scalable, has low competition, and fits weekend or after-hours work. This is also highly relevant with rising rural-to-industrial land conversion.