Through the StartUp Texas program, the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) and the City of Brownsville’s Planning and Redevelopment Department are partnering together to launch the Brownsville (Re)Open for Business Assistance Program. 

The Brownsville (Re)Open for Business Assistance Program is designed to provide financial relief needed to strengthen our local small business enterprises that are enduring hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.   This loan program is a short-term 0% interest forgivable loan program up to $20,000 to assist businesses with up to fifty (50) employees at the time of application, or up to five (5) employees (including owner) with low to moderate income owner. 

The business must demonstrate a loss of gross revenue of 15 % or more in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to be considered for funding. The loan program is to assist in operations of the business including payroll, inventory and working capital.   We are accepting a limited number of applications. 

Deadline to submit application is December 1, 2023 or when the max number of applications have been received; whichever comes first. Due to the anticipated number of submissions, applications will be review and evaluated on eligibility and based on the number of eligible applicants and limited funding, applications may be chosen via a lottery system.   

PLEASE READ OUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES BEFORE APPLYING!

The Downtown Brownsville Rent Subsidy 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.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include 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 Central Business District of 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 a business that can obtain a Sales Tax Permit.

ALL APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ THE PROGRAM GUIDELINES PRIOR TO SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION. 

The eBridge Fund program is designed to provide a more attainable option for businesses who are otherwise unable to obtain conventional bank financing or need a more competitive rate in comparison to current market rates. The objective of the eBridge Fund is to serve as an economic development tool to encourage business retention and expansion, relocation of businesses to Cameron County as well as assisting new start-ups that in return will retain and/or create employment opportunities and stimulate investment in the community. 

MAKE SURE TO READ OUR GUIDELINES BEFORE APPLYING.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

• Read the BIG Program Guidelines.
•  Schedule a meeting with BCIC staff to discuss your project by emailing msuarez@bcic.us.
•  Applicants are required to have all Building Permit(s) needed for the project.
• Ensure your project is within the BIG Program Boundaries.
• Since the program offers reimbursable 50/50 matching grants, 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.

BEFORE YOU APPLY

• Read the BIG Program Guidelines.
•  Schedule a meeting with BCIC staff to discuss your project by emailing msuarez@bcic.us.
•  Applicants are required to have all Building Permit(s) needed for the project.
• Ensure your project is located within the Central Business District of the BIG Program Boundaries.
• Since the program offers reimbursable 50/50 matching grants, 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.