Rupununi Music and Arts Festival Gets Diplomatic Backing and Fundraising Boost

The British High Commission hosted a successful fundraiser for the upcoming Rupununi Music and Arts Festival, set for October at Manari Ranch. Prime Minister Mark Phillips emphasized the festival's role in eco-tourism, youth empowerment, and Indigenous cultural preservation. The government sees the event as aligned with its sustainable tourism agenda, noting plans to create an eco-friendly “Festival Village” to support regional economic development and creative industries.

Caribbean AI Task Force Launched to Lead Ethical Development in the Region

The Caribbean Telecommunications Union has launched the Caribbean AI Task Force, an initiative to harmonise AI policy across the region. The task force aims to promote inclusive, ethical, and sustainable AI development, and will focus on building regional talent—especially among youth and underrepresented groups. Dr. Craig Ramlal of UWI has been appointed chair, with the task force expected to develop model legislation and guide AI strategies that align with Caribbean values and developmental goals.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

SMALL ENTERPRISES (SEs)

1. Indigenous & Cultural Artisanal Products for Festivals and Tourism

Opportunity: Supply crafts, wearable art, herbal wellness products, and cultural experiences tied to events like the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival and other eco-tourism initiatives.
Why it works: There’s a growing national push to uplift Indigenous culture and integrate it into tourism, with strong diplomatic and government backing.
Notes:

• Can start lean with handcrafted goods, using platforms like social media or local markets.

• Potential for export with the right packaging and brand storytelling.

• Upskilling and microfinancing can be tapped via government and NGO support.

2. Sports Event Pop-Ups & Vendor Booths (Food, Merch, Services)

Opportunity: Supply food, beverages, branded merchandise, or convenience services (charging stations, mini-shops) at large public events like the Kares T10 Finals or the August 9 Boxing Super Card.
Why it works: High attendance and sponsor backing provide guaranteed foot traffic.
Notes:

• Leverage seasonal opportunities around key sports calendars.

• Consider collaborating with promoters for exclusive access or preferred vendor status.

3. Youth-Focused Tutoring & Soft Skills Training (Linked to New Cricket Academies and AI Push)

Opportunity: Provide academic tutoring, physical coaching, or digital skills training for young people joining sports academies or preparing for Guyana’s growing AI and tech sectors.
Why it works: Rising investment in youth development (e.g., Rose Hall Cricket Academy, AI initiatives) has created a talent-focused market.
Notes:

• Can be done through private classes, online platforms, or school partnerships.

• Look to create bundled packages: e.g., “Athlete Academic Success Kit.”

MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MEs)

1. SME-Focused Fintech or Microcredit Platform (Ahead of $200M PPP/C Fund)

Opportunity: Build a digital lending, accounting, or microfinance platform tailored for SMEs to access and manage the upcoming $200M SME fund.
Why it works: The fund will create a surge in demand for financial literacy, access tools, and digital onboarding.
Notes:

• Strategic positioning as a government-partnered facilitator or education platform could unlock first-mover advantages.

• Integrate with MMG or mobile banking to increase adoption in rural regions.

2. Modular Housing & Construction Services for Rent-to-Own Model

Opportunity: Build pre-fabricated or rapid-construction homes tailored for rent-to-own buyers under proposed APNU and PPP/C housing programs.
Why it works: Multiple parties are now promising land and housing access, but implementation capacity is low.
Notes:

• Position as a full-service vendor: financing, build, and maintenance.

• Form strategic partnerships with NGOs, banks, or the Ministry of Housing.

3. Regional Sports Academy Management and Franchising

Opportunity: Create private cricket or football academies, especially in Regions 5 and 6, to replicate the success of Rose Hall.
Why it works: Growing emphasis on structured youth development and corporate sponsorship (e.g., FL Sport, Rouge Salon backing chess and cricket events).
Notes:

• Opportunity to franchise under a strong national brand.

• Potential partnerships with local schools and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

LARGE ENTERPRISES (LEs)

1. Deep Water Port & AI Infrastructure Investment (Region Six)

Opportunity: Invest in or operate logistics, power generation, data infrastructure, or AI campuses tied to the planned deep-water port and AI hub in Berbice.
Why it works: Region Six is being positioned as a logistics and tech powerhouse in Ali’s second-term vision.
Notes:

• High capital, long-term returns, and potential for public-private partnerships.

• Early movers may receive tax incentives or co-investment from government.

2. National Highway & Interregional Housing Corridor PPP

Opportunity: Lead or partner on major infrastructure projects like the proposed interregional highways and housing corridors under APNU’s development proposal.
Why it works: Both major parties are campaigning on infrastructure delivery, making this a priority area regardless of election outcome.
Notes:

• Could use EPCF (Engineering, Procurement, Construction & Finance) models.

• Link housing construction with carbon credits and ESG initiatives for funding leverage.

3. National Festival Management & Cultural Venue Development

Opportunity: Develop large-scale event venues or manage national festivals (e.g., Rupununi Festival, Guyana Cup) with full-service logistics, hospitality, and cultural programming.
Why it works: Government is aligning tourism, culture, and economic development—especially in hinterland regions.
Notes:

• Opportunity for large developers or hospitality groups to create landmark projects with cultural value.

• Consider blending eco-resort features with performance venues or seasonal pop-ups.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Event Vendor Pop-Up Business (Sports & Cultural Festivals)

What it is:
A small mobile setup (tent/table) that sells premium snacks, cold beverages, locally made wellness items, or branded merchandise at major public events like the Kares T10 Finals, Super Fight Card, and Rupununi Music & Arts Festival.

Why it works:
There’s a growing calendar of large-scale public events backed by sponsors and government (sports, culture, music). Attendance is surging, but the vendor ecosystem is still underdeveloped.

Execution Tips:

• Start with one product (e.g., iced local juices, frozen coconut water, or custom Guyana-themed T-shirts).

• Partner with friends or family to rotate shifts if you can’t attend every event.

• Use WhatsApp/Instagram to promote your booth.

• Focus on areas with large foot traffic and minimal competition.

2. AI Prompt & Tech Support Services for Students & Small Businesses

What it is:
Offer affordable AI-related services—such as writing resumes, designing posters, summarizing documents, or building business templates—using tools like ChatGPT, Canva, or Google Workspace. Package these as one-off gigs or monthly subscriptions for students or SME owners.

Why it works:
The rise of AI in the region (e.g., Caribbean AI Task Force launch, AI Centre planned for Berbice) will rapidly increase awareness. Most people don’t know how to use these tools, but need affordable help.

Execution Tips:

• Offer your services via flyers, WhatsApp status, and Facebook groups.

• Charge GYD $1,000–3,000 per task or bundle services.

• No technical skill required—just practice using AI tools.

• Partner with a printer or school supply shop to upsell final output (printed CVs, assignments, etc.).

3. Rent-to-Own Housing Agent or Land Connector

What it is:
Act as a micro-broker or connector between people seeking land/housing and upcoming projects, especially if APNU or PPP/C win and implement their proposed housing and land access policies. You can also earn referral fees from contractors or prefab builders.

Why it works:
With both parties pushing aggressive housing agendas (rent-to-own models, new roads, housing corridors), there will be high demand but little structure for connecting people to opportunities.

Execution Tips:

• Build a small network of builders, land sellers, or real estate agents.

• Help clients with forms, access, or land selection for a fee.

• You don’t need a license to start—just trust and local knowledge.

• Create a simple WhatsApp flyer: “Looking for Land? I can help.”