BIG GRANT PROGRAMS
Exterior Façade Improvement Grant
BCIC can provide financial assistance to property owners or business tenants within the designated BIG Grant corridor, seeking to improve the exterior of the building to make it more visually appealing, bring them back into productive use, and bring back original appearance when possible. Façade is defined as the front exterior of a building and other exteriors sides when they are emphasized. 50/50 match. Maximum grant amount $15,000.
BIG GRANT PROGRAMS
Interior Capital Improvement Grant
BCIC can provide financial assistance to property owners or business tenants within the designated BIG Grant corridor, seeking to bring building or property up to code and/or significant interior capital improvements. 50/50 match. Maximum grant amount $15,000.
BIG GRANT PROGRAMS
Sign Improvement Grant Program
BCIC can provide financial assistance to property owners or business tenants within the designated BIG Grant corridor, seeking removal or replacement of signs the comply to City’s ordinance, will be integrated into the architecture of the building, and additional signage on canopies, awnings, front entrances and windows. 50/50 match. Maximum grant amount $2,500.
BIG GRANT PROGRAM GOALS
The Downtown Brownsville Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) Programs are grants offered by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), in partnership with the City of Brownsville and Main Street Brownsville, to provide financial support to commercial property owners and tenants to make quality exterior and interior improvements to their commercial buildings and property in downtown Brownsville.
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) and/or City of Brownsville’s Downtown District Manager to set up an appointment to discuss your project and grant process. Contact information is below.
DEADLINES
Application deadlines are at 12:00 pm on these following dates: Friday, May 29, 2020; Friday, July 31, 2020; and Friday, September 25, 2020.
Applications will be reviewed the following month after deadline. BCIC staff will notify applicant if there are concerns, questions and/or comments for changes, alternations, or adjustments to proposed project. If the advisory committee makes recommendations to approve application as is, the recommendation will be presented at the next scheduled BCIC board meeting to approve project funding. BCIC staff has two (2) weeks from the BCIC Board meeting date to notify Applicant of funding award. If denied, the applicant has 30 days to appeal the decision to the BCIC Board of Directors.
CONTACT
BIG Grant Programs Contact:
Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC)
Cori Peña, Director of Community Development
500 East Saint Charles, Brownsville, TX 78520
Main Street District Contact:
Planning and Development Services Department, City of Brownsville
Miriam C. Suarez, Downtown District Manager
1034 E. Levee Street, 2nd Floor, Brownsville, TX 78520
Retail and Redevelopment Contact:
Planning and Development Services Department, City of Brownsville
Constanza Miner, Retail and Redevelopment Manager
1034 E. Levee Street, 2nd Floor, Brownsville, TX 78520