BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is now accepting applications for the BIG LIFT Citywide Storefront Improvement Grant Program from eligible small businesses in Brownsville City Commission District 2. Applications are open September 1 through October 9, 2026.
The District 2 cycle follows a strong response from the program’s first application period. Fifteen District 1 businesses submitted complete applications, collectively requesting nearly three times the funding available for that cycle. Most requested the full $30,000 grant amount.
BIG LIFT provides one-time reimbursement grants for exterior improvements to eligible locally owned businesses. BCIC reimburses 80 percent of approved project costs, up to $30,000, and the applicant is responsible for the remaining 20 percent.
Because the program operates on a reimbursement basis, approved applicants must fund the full project upfront. BCIC issues its reimbursement after the project has been completed and all required documentation has been approved. The minimum total project cost is $2,000.
Eligible projects may include façade painting and restoration, signage, doors, windows, awnings, exterior lighting, parking lot resurfacing and striping, drought-tolerant landscaping, outdoor seating, and murals or public art by local artists. Work started before BCIC issues a Notice to Proceed is not eligible for reimbursement.
Applicants must be for-profit, locally owned businesses operating within Brownsville city limits for at least two years and employ fewer than 20 people. Property owners may apply, as may tenants who meet the program’s remaining lease and owner-authorization requirements. Additional property, documentation, tax, code-compliance, and contractor-quote requirements apply.
Funding is limited and competitive. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award. Applications are reviewed and scored by BCIC staff before being presented to the BCIC Board of Directors for final approval.
District 2 businesses can review the complete guidelines and apply in English or Spanish at brownsvillecic.com/lift.
Questions about eligibility or the application process may be directed to Eric Quintero, Director of Community Development, at equintero@brownsvillecic.com.
BIG LIFT will continue its citywide rollout with District 3 applications open December 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, followed by District 4 from March 1 through April 19, 2027.
Acerca de Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC)
La Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) es una corporación de desarrollo económico de tipo B. Se dedica a impulsar el desarrollo económico sostenible, mejorar la calidad de vida, fomentar la innovación, empoderar a los emprendedores, apoyar proyectos estratégicos y cultivar alianzas que contribuyan a la próspera y dinámica comunidad de Brownsville. BCIC opera bajo cuatro pilares fundamentales. El primero es el Desarrollo Comunitario, logrado a través de iniciativas como los BIG Grants, que apoyan la revitalización y preservación del centro histórico de Brownsville, y los Quality of Life Grants, diseñados para mejorar el bienestar de la comunidad. Estos apoyos financian proyectos que crean espacios acogedores e inclusivos, mejoran las instalaciones y promueven actividades que benefician a residentes y visitantes. El segundo pilar son los Programas Financieros, que apoyan a las pequeñas empresas locales proporcionándoles recursos financieros para ayudarlas a iniciar o expandir sus negocios. Esto, a su vez, crea empleos con salarios dignos, contribuyendo a la estabilidad económica general de la región. El tercer pilar es la Innovación y el Emprendimiento, donde BCIC apoya la trayectoria emprendedora con incubación, aceleración y asistencia continua. Por último, los esfuerzos de marketing y comunicaciones de BCIC impulsan la participación pública al amplificar el impacto de los programas, fomentar el orgullo comunitario y promover Brownsville como un centro atractivo para vivir, trabajar e invertir. Para obtener más información, visite www.brownsvillecic.com.
Para consultas de los medios, póngase en contacto con Nelson I. Amaro en namaro@brownsvillecic.com o (956) 538-1910