Thank you for your interest in StartUp Texas, a seed fund program sponsored by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC). 

We at 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.

The Startup Texas Pitch Summit is a live pitch event that showcases early stage companies pitching their product or service to industry experts, venture capitalists, and high profile media. Winning teams earn $20,000 in seed funding alongside mentorship and assistance from the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization. 

Apply to gain media exposure, potential clients, and access to investors. Selected teams will get personalized pitch coaching and feedback from industry specialists.

PLEASE READ OUR GUIDELINES BEFORE APPLYING! 

The Downtown Brownsville Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) Grants provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and tenants to make quality exterior and interior improvements to their commercial buildings and property in downtown Brownsville. BIG Grants offers four (4) different financial reimbursement assistance programs to businesses that would like to expand their existing operations or want to relocate or expand their operations in the designated Downtown Brownsville corridor.

Our BIG Grants Program 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.

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

Our BIG Grants Program 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.

BIG DOWNTOWN BROWNSVILLE RENT SUBSIDY GRANT: Maximum grant amount $7,800 for restaurants, coffee shops, bars, entertainment, galleries. Maximum grant amount $9,600 for retail including upscale apparel, accessories, footwear, jewelry, electronics, artisan shops, and specialty retail.

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is providing rental assistance for up to 12 months for eligible businesses that choose to locate in the historic Downtown 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

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, a business plan and a proposed budget, financials and marketing plan.

For the expansion of an existing business, the application for rental assistance should include a minimum a completed application form and profit and loss statement. Rental assistance application for a business not related or similar to the existing business is required to submit a full, new business application package.

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

BCIC is seeking to partner with private organizations, corporations, non-profits, and government entities, that seek creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in Brownsville, Texas. The Economic Impact Grant provides opportunity for financial support towards projects that create an attractive environment for Brownsville, Texas to be a destination city to live, work, play and invest that will enhance the economic well-being of the community. All projects must foster economic development within the Brownsville city limits. Upon board approval, a 60-day public comment period is triggered which will ultimately result in the approval by the City Commission.

The Economic Impact Grant is a two-step application process. The applicant is required to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to review the proposal or idea. The proposal will be reviewed and evaluated based on Type B eligibility (accordance to sales tax statues) and the economic impact it will have on the community. Based on the evaluation, a response of declination or an invitation to submit a formal application will be given with a deadline. Upon receiving the full application and further consideration of funding, the application request will be presented at a BCIC board meeting during a public hearing to consider funding the proposal.

PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES BEFORE APPLYING.