New Essequibo Ferry to Launch by September

President Irfaan Ali has confirmed that a second ferry will service the Parika–Supenaam route by September. The initiative is expected to significantly boost connectivity and trade between Regions Two and Three. This comes alongside plans for rice storage facilities and a co-investment fund for farmers and small businesses, reinforcing the administration’s focus on agro-processing, rural development, and regional logistics infrastructure.

U.S.-Guyana Trade Hits Record $4.7B

Trade between Guyana and the United States reached a new high of US$4.7 billion in 2024, according to U.S. Ambassador Nicole Theriot. Speaking at the U.S. Independence reception, she noted strong commercial momentum, with investments in infrastructure, 3D printing, welding, hospitality, and education. The U.S. also emphasized expanding military and law enforcement cooperation, joint DEA operations, and regional medical programs.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Digital Banking Support & Mobile Onboarding Kiosks

Why it works: The Government is pressuring banks to modernize services, including mobile account access and simplified financing. However, literacy and tech access gaps—especially in hinterland and peri-urban areas—create a friction point.
Opportunity: Launch a mobile kiosk or consultancy that helps individuals open accounts, manage e-wallets, and apply for credit from mobile devices. This could be packaged with MMG and bank apps.
Notes: Partner with telecoms for mobile data bundling and position near markets, NIS offices, and regional housing schemes.

2. Math & Exam Prep Tutoring Centers

Why it works: With the rise of youth educators like Dave Chowtie and record-breaking NGSA math scores, there’s a growing appetite for supplemental education driven by results and innovation.
Opportunity: Launch low-cost, high-impact math and science tutoring centers using a franchise or shared-revenue model with top academic students as lead tutors.
Notes: Explore regional expansion; offer blended learning and parent dashboards for monitoring.

3. Plastic Waste Collection & Resale Micro-Enterprise

Why it works: The EPA is rolling out circular economy principles and ramping up enforcement on plastic waste, while seeking stakeholder involvement.
Opportunity: Start a household-level plastic sorting, collection, and resale business for repurposing or small-scale recycling. Offer home pickup or partner with schools.
Notes: Initial capital is low; work with the EPA to secure pilot funding or branding support.

Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Sports Marketing & Event Merchandising Services

Why it works: The Beharry Group’s involvement in the Global Super League (GSL) and upcoming boxing mega-event shows strong private-public alignment in sports entertainment.
Opportunity: Offer event merchandise production, fan engagement, branded kiosks, or mobile concession services across events like the GSL, CPL, or boxing spectacles.
Notes: Bundle with influencer marketing and brand activations. Leverage local manufacturing to meet short turnaround demands.

2. Turnkey Housing Finishing & Landscaping Services

Why it works: The Ruby relocation program and President Ali’s ongoing home ownership agenda signal a growing need for small contractors that can complete homes beyond core government offerings.
Opportunity: Provide finishing services (tiling, painting, cabinetry) or landscaping/driveway paving packages for CH&PA homeowners who receive turnkey units.
Notes: Partner with banks for home improvement financing tie-ins; can evolve into a regional SME cooperative.

3. Youth Sports Academies & Talent Development Centers

Why it works: ExxonMobil’s U14 Football tournament and Inter Miami’s Guyanese-led academy success point to growing interest and funding in youth sports.
Opportunity: Launch private youth football or track & field academies with pathways to U.S. scholarships or club trials. Package with strength training, nutrition, and mentorship.
Notes: Brand with diaspora athletes or coaches; tap into school partnerships or CSR funding from oil & gas firms.

Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Digitized Banking Infrastructure & Fintech Partnerships

Why it works: The government wants to modernize Guyana’s financial sector with mobile-first tools and open banking practices.
Opportunity: Launch or partner with fintech platforms offering mobile banking, SME credit scoring, and e-KYC services for Guyanese banks and MMG.
Notes: Requires BoG regulatory alignment. Position as the tech layer for local banks. Explore equity models for integration.

2. Gold Supply Chain Compliance & Export Certification

Why it works: With the U.S. cracking down on Venezuelan gold smuggling, there's a gap for traceable, compliant sourcing and refining in Guyana.
Opportunity: Establish a gold certification and refining operation with blockchain-based tracking and export-ready documentation.
Notes: High regulatory threshold but opens gateway to formal markets in the U.S. and Europe. Potential to partner with MoF and GoInvest.

3. Eco-Manufacturing Facilities Aligned with Circular Economy

Why it works: The EPA is advocating for design-out-waste manufacturing principles and a cradle-to-cradle approach.
Opportunity: Build or retrofit a plant to produce sustainable household goods or packaging (e.g., compostable cutlery, repurposed plastic construction material).
Notes: Can leverage carbon credit or LCDS 2030-linked green funding. Use as flagship for ESG-aligned exports.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Home-Based Digital Banking Setup & Education Services

What it is:
Offer a paid service helping individuals, especially in rural or older communities, set up mobile banking apps, digital wallets (like MMG), and understand how to use new financial tools (e.g., transfers, bill payments, online purchases).

Why it works:
The government is pushing banks to modernize, but many citizens are unfamiliar with these platforms. You can fill this gap on weekends or evenings.

How to start:
Learn how all the major banking apps work, create simple instruction kits, and offer in-person or WhatsApp-based consultations for a fee. Partner with a cybercafé or operate independently.

2. After-School Math & Exam Coaching Micro-Classes

What it is:
Host evening or weekend math tutoring groups for NGSA, CSEC, or SAT students, following the example of Dave Chowtie’s initiative.

Why it works:
Guyana’s recent surge in top NGSA math scores shows a rising demand for academic excellence, especially in math and science. Most students need support after school.

How to start:
Use your living room or a nearby classroom. Charge GYD $1,500–$2,000 per session. Offer 5-student max batches to keep quality high. Optionally collaborate with a top-performing high school student.

3. Eco Product Collection & Plastic Sorting for Repurposing

What it is:
Launch a weekend-based plastic bottle or packaging collection service in your neighborhood, selling sorted waste to recycling operators or using it in simple craft products like planters or décor.

Why it works:
The EPA is pushing circular economy awareness, and penalties for plastic waste could increase soon. This side hustle positions you early in the waste-to-value chain.

How to start:
Invest in basic storage bins and sorting bags. Offer pickup to neighbors and schools. Later partner with eco-conscious brands or resale buyers.