THIS WEEK
“Making my way downtown walking fast
Tacos pass and I’m homebound”
– Our Annual Report if it could sing, probably…
So far, we’ve stopped by 956 Coffee, Cero Grados, Búho, The Sip Society Co., and Mariscos El Pilon, bringing copies of BCIC’s FY 2024 & 2025 Annual Report along for the visit. Each stop gives us another excuse to spend some time at the local businesses and spaces that make Brownsville worth exploring.
And we’re not done yet: more stops, more photos, and more copies are on the way. Be sure to us on Facebook to check out all where the report turns up next. 👀
FUND YOUR NEXT UPGRADE
What could the right financing help your business do next?
La Pale used the eBridge Fund to purchase equipment that helped the Brownsville company scale production, expand its reach into H-E-B stores across Texas, and take on white-label manufacturing.
The eBridge Fund offers eligible businesses in Cameron County fixed interest rates starting at 5%, no prepayment penalties, and repayment terms of up to 7 years.
See how La Pale used the eBridge Fund to grow, and learn what financing could look like for your business.
Questions? Contact Anthony Cantu, Small Business Lending Coordinator, at acantu@brownsvillecic.com.
¿Qué podría hacer tu negocio con el financiamiento adecuado?
La Pale utilizó el eBridge Fund para adquirir equipo que le ayudó a aumentar su producción, llegar a tiendas H-E-B en todo Texas y ampliar sus servicios de manufactura para otras marcas.
El eBridge Fund ofrece a negocios elegibles en el condado de Cameron tasas de interés fijas desde 5%, sin penalidades por pago anticipado y plazos de pago de hasta 7 años.
Conoce cómo La Pale utilizó el eBridge Fund para crecer y descubre qué opciones de financiamiento podrían estar disponibles para tu negocio.
¿Tienes preguntas? Contacta a Anthony Cantu, Coordinador de Préstamos para Pequeños Negocios, en acantu@brownsvillecic.com.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
This week at 1 Million Cups, Jesus Alvarado and Melissa Blanco of First Stop Bagels will join Selina Jimenez of Pink Sylver to share what they’re building, what they’ve learned, and where they could use a little help from the community.
Join us Wednesday, August 19 at 9:00 a.m. at eBridge to meet the people behind these Brownsville businesses!
Interested in speaking? Apply below!
SHOWOFFS WELCOME
Built something cool? Bring it to Maker Faire Brownsville!
Applications are now open for makers, students, schools, clubs, nonprofits, tech teams, and anyone with a project worth putting in front of a crowd during Space Fest 2026.
They’re looking for projects in space and aerospace, robotics, coding, environmental science, hands-on STEM, and plenty more. Interactive exhibits are especially encouraged, so if people can see it, test it, build with it, or learn from it, even better.
Maker Faire Brownsville will take place during Space Fest, September 24 through 26, 2026, at the George Ramirez Performing Arts Academy.
This is your chance to show Brownsville what you made. Applications are open now.
MORE FROM BCIC
BCIC’s 5-Year Roadmap is Live
Our BCIC 2025-2029 Strategic Plan is based on your input about what Brownsville needs most: quality of life upgrades, business support, downtown revival, and opportunities that keep talent home. View it here.
BIG Downtown Business Grants
Revitalize downtown Brownsville! If you’re a property owner or tenant, the BIG Program offers matching grants to support your commercial renovations. Make a difference in the heart of our city: brownsvillecic.com/big
Business Financing
Access funding designed for Brownsville entrepreneurs and small businesses. The eBridge Fund provides accessible financing options for those unable to secure traditional loans or seeking better rates. Get started here: ebridgefund.com