Our BIG 1.0 & BIG 2.0 Grant Programs goals include: (1) Encourage property investment that directly relates to improving the aesthetics of building and places in Downtown Brownsville; (2) Expand business and employment opportunities in existing and deteriorated structures; (3) Enhance the visitors experience at our downtown attractions; (4) Help new and existing businesses succeed by enhancing their curb appeal; and Increase commercial property values.

RENT SUBSIDY GRANT: Maximum grant amount $12,000.

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is providing rental assistance for up to 12 months for eligible businesses that choose to locate in the BIG 1.0 & BIG 2.0 Historic Brownsville Area. Additionally, BCIC may provide assistance for existing businesses to expand their gross rentable space. In every case, the Board reserves the right to deny Applicants at its sole discretion. Funding is subject to availability of resources and to the applicant business’s potential to strengthen, compliment and diversify the existing business makeup, as determined solely at the discretion of the BCIC Board. Any eligible business may apply for assistance and grants, but those falling into the following categories may be given greater consideration.
• Restaurants, coffee shops, specialty food & entertainment
• Artisan shops
• Upscale apparel/accessories, footwear
• Electronics – computers, phones, digital equipment
• Specialty retail: toys, sporting goods, transportation
• Home furnishings and appliances
• Visual and performing arts, galleries

How it works:

Up to 60% rental assistance for the first six (6) months, not to exceed $1,200 per month and months seventh through 12, payments will be at 40%, not to exceed $800 per month.

Applicants that ineligible to apply:

• Businesses that are sharing space with other business tenants e.g. co-share workspace, malls, flea markets.

Businesses are eligible to apply if the business has its own physical address that is not shared with other businesses.

For a new business: Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, a copy of an executed lease between the applicant and property owner with a minimum of a two-year lease, a business plan and a proposed budget, financials and marketing plan.

For the expansion or relocation of an existing business: Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, a copy of an executed lease between the applicant and property owner with a minimum of a two-year lease, and a profit and loss statement for the past two years. 

Rental assistance application for a business not related or similar to the existing business is required to submit a full, new business application package.
 

This is a reimbursement grant. If awarded, the rent reimbursement does not begin till the business has received a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Brownsville and has opened to the public.

We encourage you to contact Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) to set up an appointment to discuss your project and grant process.

 


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 Forgivable Loan Program. The Brownsville (Re)Open for Business Forgivable Loan 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. Applications will be accepted from December 1, 2021, at 8:00 AM through March 1, 2022, at 12:00 PM 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. Potential applicants must register for a DUNS number (https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html) and create an account on SAM.gov (https://www.sam.gov/SAM/) (HUD requirement to receive funds) as soon as possible.

PLEASE READ OUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES BEFORE APPLYING!

 

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.