We believe in Community Building through Economic Development.

Thank you for your interest in our StartUp Texas SBIR/STTR Innovation Competition, a program sponsored by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station. 

We at the BCIC believe that right now, everyone can be the founder of something great. We understand how entrepreneurship stimulates job growth, creates new opportunities in industries that need them, and makes communities better versions of themselves. Our goal is provide all the tools that burgeoning, local entrepreneurs need to succeed. 

Unlock the door to innovation, growth, and success with our SBIR/STTR Innovation Competition Program. We're your guiding light on the journey to successfully applying for vital SBIR/STTR research funding for your groundbreaking projects. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with navigating the SBIR/STTR application process. Whether you're a cutting-edge tech startup, an inventive small business, or a visionary researcher, our accelerator program is designed to position you for triumph.

The StartUp Texas SBIR/STTR Innovation Competition is a highly competitive, intensive 12 week program designed to help companies effectively scale, properly evaluate market research, fine tune financial projections, all while creating valuable connections with local business leaders and fellow founders in the community. The StartUp Texas Accelerator utilizes the AdvanceUp Accelerator Curriculum built by the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center. 

Are you ready to turn your MVP into a successful SBIR/STTR application?

BEFORE YOU APPLY
 

• Read the BIG Program Guidelines to ensure your project meets the requirements of a standard rehab project. Property owners and tenants may apply for this category. 
•  Schedule a meeting with BCIC staff to discuss your project by emailing msuarez@bcic.us.
•  Applicants are required to have all permit(s) required by the City of Brownsville for the entire project.
• Ensure your project is within the BIG Program Boundaries.
• If funding is awarded and the building is vacant, the applicant must have a letter of commitment from a business and said business must open within ninety (90) days of project completion. A letter of commitment for each storefront must be submitted if the building has multiple storefronts. Failure to have the building at 100% occupancy during this timeframe may result in reimbursing BCIC for any disbursed.
•  This category offers up to $25,000 for facade improvements and up to $35,000 for interior MEP improvements with a reimbursable 50/50 matching grant. Applicants must have a minimum of 50% of the total project cost available. A bank statement showing the unencumbered and unrestricted funds is required with the application.

Submission Deadline

Applications are accepted continuously, with a strict deadline of the second Friday of each month to allow for a 30-day application review. No exceptions will be granted regarding this deadline. The Board of Directors will consider submitted applications in the subsequent month.

THE PROGRAM IS NOT INTENDED TO FULLY FUND OR KICKSTART PROJECTS AND THE APPLICANT MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY HAVE THE AVAILABLE CAPITAL TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE PROJECT. IF THE APPLICATION IS DENIED BY THE BCICBOARD, THE APPLICANT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY.
 

BEFORE YOU APPLY
 

• Read the BIG Program Guidelines and ensure your project meets the definition of an Extensive Rehabilitation Project. Only property owners may apply for an extensive rehabilitation grant. 
•  Schedule a meeting with BCIC staff to discuss your project by emailing msuarez@bcic.us.
•  Applicants are required to have all permit(s) required by the City of Brownsville for the entire project.
• Ensure your project is within the BIG Program Boundaries.
• If funding is awarded and the building is vacant, the applicant must have a letter of commitment from a business and said business must open within ninety (90) days of project completion. A letter of commitment for each storefront must be submitted if the building has multiple storefronts. Failure to have the building at 100% occupancy during this timeframe may result in reimbursing BCIC for any disbursed.
• This category offers up to $200,000 for facade and interior improvements with an 80% match required by the property owner and a 20% match from BCIC. Applicants must have a minimum of 50% of the total project cost available. A bank statement showing the unencumbered and unrestricted funds is required with the application.

Submission Deadline

Applications are accepted continuously, with a strict deadline of the second Friday of each month to allow for a 30-day application review. No exceptions will be granted regarding this deadline. The Board of Directors will consider submitted applications in the subsequent month.

THE PROGRAM IS NOT INTENDED TO FULLY FUND OR KICKSTART PROJECTS AND THE APPLICANT MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY HAVE THE AVAILABLE CAPITAL TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE PROJECT. IF THE APPLICATION IS DENIED BY THE BCICBOARD, THE APPLICANT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY.
 

The BIG Rental Reinvestment Program offers rent reimbursements to businesses that are new-to-market, expanding, or relocating to Historic Downtown Brownsville. The goal of the program is to strengthen downtown’s economic activity, diversify the existing business mix, improve downtown’s curb appeal, and increase occupancy.

Submission Deadline

Applications are accepted continuously, with a strict deadline of the second Friday of each month to allow for a 30-day application review. No exceptions will be granted regarding this deadline. The Board of Directors will consider submitted applications in the subsequent month.

Eligibility

New, expanding, or existing businesses choosing to relocate to Historic Downtown Brownsville and contribute to the existing business mix. Existing downtown businesses wanting to expand their gross rentable space are also eligible. 

Eligible applicants must:

1. Be located within the BIG Program Boundaries. Check this map for eligibility. 

2. Hire or employ a minimum of two (2) employees, not including the business owner.

3. Be in operation for a minimum of three (3) months but no more than six (6) months and submit a profit and loss statement and  cash flow statement with their application.

4.  Existing downtown businesses older than six (6) months are eligible if they have expanded their gross rentable space. 

ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ THE PROGRAM GUIDELINES PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION. THIS PROGRAM IS NOT INTENDED FOR BUSINESSES THAT ARE PAST DUE IN RENT.