Region Three Positioned as Economic Powerhouse

President Urges Business Community to Step Up

President Irfaan Ali declared Region Three an emerging economic hub during a Chamber of Commerce event, citing over GYD 100 billion in infrastructure and gas-to-energy projects as key to its transformation. He urged local businesses to capitalize on available financing and public-private partnerships to accelerate development. The region now boasts access to major banks and rising demand for industrial, commercial, and logistics services.
Opportunity: High for SMEs in logistics, construction, retail, and services.

Hemp Industry Officially Opens to Former Sugar Workers

Gov’t allocates 2,000 acres for ex-GuySuCo staff to farm hemp

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo announced that Skeldon sugar lands will be partially repurposed for hemp cultivation, offering two-acre plots to displaced workers. The Guyana Hemp Association praised the move, citing massive downstream potential in textiles, building materials, and wellness products.
Entrepreneur Alert: Hemp represents a rare value chain opportunity—from farming to exportable manufacturing—in a legally protected and government-backed framework.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. On-Site Vendor Services at Regional Sporting Events

   • Context: The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast and other grassroots tournaments are drawing large crowds with free admission.

   • Opportunity: Launch mobile food stalls, beverage kiosks, branded merchandise stands, or quick-service booths at these regional events.

   • Notes: These events offer concentrated traffic and low setup costs. Early mover advantage for those who build relationships with organisers and sponsors.

2. Technical Services Business Leveraging BIT Graduate Pool

   • Context: 128 new graduates in electrical, plumbing, cosmetology, and food prep have entered the job market in Region 4 alone.

   • Opportunity: Set up a small service cooperative or agency that employs or subcontracts recent graduates to deliver essential home/business services.

   • Notes: Focus on bundling services for property management firms or new real estate developments.

3. Community-Based Hemp Micro-Farming

   • Context: Ex-sugar workers are being given 2-acre plots to grow hemp under a government-backed scheme.

   • Opportunity: Small operators can collaborate in cooperatives to supply bulk hemp for cigar, textile, or oil production.

   • Notes: Ideal for low-capital agricultural entrepreneurs. Export potential is high, especially with proper quality control and downstream processing partners.

Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Boutique Hospitality and Eco-Tourism Ventures in Region 3

   • Context: President Ali declared Region 3 an emerging economic hub with growing infrastructure and connectivity.

   • Opportunity: Launch boutique eco-lodges, culinary-focused homestays, or ATV/kayaking tour companies aimed at weekend urban visitors and diaspora tourists.

   • Notes: Pair with existing government marketing initiatives; target stays of 2–3 nights tied to adventure, nature, or culinary experiences.

2. Rehabilitation and Wellness Facility or Mobile Services

   • Context: The Ministry of Health is rolling out a national rehab strategy, complete with apps and handbooks for stroke and amputee care.

   • Opportunity: Build or partner on a mid-tier rehab and physiotherapy clinic or mobile therapy service to service rural and hinterland regions.

   • Notes: Potential PPP partnership available. Also ripe for tech-enabled booking, tele-therapy, or remote health monitoring services.

3. Forensic and Security Training Academy (in partnership with NFSU)

   • Context: Guyana is set to develop a regional forensic science institute in collaboration with India.

   • Opportunity: Medium-sized training or certification businesses could partner to offer preparatory, digital forensics, or auxiliary security certifications.

   • Notes: First-mover in Caribbean-wide security education has potential exportable service model.

Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Hemp-Based Industrial Manufacturing Facility

   • Context: Government is formalizing hemp production and aiming for import substitution and value-added exports.

   • Opportunity: Establish a full-scale industrial hemp processing plant for fiber, textiles, CBD oil, paper, or bioplastics.

   • Notes: Huge export potential. Requires vertical integration from small farms to processing to branded export products. Can employ 500+.

2. Destination Sports Arena or Event Hosting Complex

   • Context: Guyana is now a central host of international cricket (WCPL 2025), with increasing government investment in regional sport.

   • Opportunity: Develop a world-class, multi-purpose sports and events complex with private capital support, tied to hospitality and retail.

   • Notes: High potential to leverage year-round event tourism. Government likely to support via land or incentives.

3. Education Infrastructure Development and PPP Schools

   • Context: New GYD 2.6B secondary school underway in Linden. PM hinted at over 20 schools opening this year.

   • Opportunity: Large firms can partner with the Ministry of Education to construct, equip, or co-manage schools under Public-Private Partnership models.

   • Notes: Tie-ins possible for EdTech, furniture supply, and long-term facility maintenance contracts. Opportunity to pilot tech-forward smart classrooms.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Weekend Sports Event Vendor

• What: Sell cold drinks, snacks, or branded merch at community sports events like the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball tournament or local school competitions.

• Why: These events are free to enter, attract large crowds, and are increasing nationwide. With multiple zones and national finals, there's recurring opportunity.

• How to Start: Secure a small cooler, portable table, umbrella, and basic inventory. Partner with someone to handle logistics while you work weekdays. Build a brand (even if informal) with WhatsApp-based orders for repeat customers.

2. After-Hours Academic Tutor (Targeting BIT Grads and NGSA Prep)

• What: Offer evening or weekend tutoring in math, reading, or vocational test prep for students preparing for NGSA or BIT training.

• Why: Over 13,000 people have gone through BIT programs since 2020, and demand is growing. Parents want better NGSA outcomes, especially as education infrastructure is being expanded.

• How to Start: Use your existing subject knowledge (no teaching degree needed). Market via Facebook groups, WhatsApp statuses, or church/school networks. Group classes of 4–6 students at $2,000–3,000 per session can generate strong side income.

3. Hemp Cooperative Agent or Aggregator

• What: Act as a middleman or local coordinator for hemp micro-farmers in Regions 6 and 10. Help them with land prep, marketing, or aggregation for buyers.

• Why: The government is allocating 2,000 acres for hemp to ex-sugar workers. Most of them won’t have formal market access or logistics.

• How to Start: If you have ties to the East Berbice or Upper Demerara region, start networking with plot owners. Help them form buying groups, arrange shared transport, or sell dried hemp to small manufacturers. Take a service fee on coordination or delivery.