THIS WEEK
We’re bringing home some good news from New Orleans!
Last week, our team attended the International Economic Development Council’s 2026 Annual Conference, where BCIC accepted four Excellence in Economic Development Awards.
The awards recognized our 2025–2029 Strategic Plan brochure (Gold), Quality of Life Grants (Silver), FY 2024 & FY 2025 Annual Report (Silver), and What the Permit? series (Bronze).
These honors recognize work that Brownsville residents and businesses can see and use, including improvements to public spaces, guidance for business owners, and greater transparency in how we invest in our community.
With these four awards, BCIC has now earned 17 IEDC Excellence Awards since 2021!
We’re grateful to our staff and community partners for helping make this possible. Here’s to bringing a little more recognition home to Brownsville.
GEW IS BACK
Brownsville’s entrepreneurs, we’re getting ready to celebrate you!
Global Entrepreneurship Week returns November 16–20, bringing five days of activities to the eBridge Center in Downtown Brownsville.
Together with our partners at the UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center, we’re preparing a week dedicated to the people starting businesses, sharing ideas, and creating opportunities across the Rio Grande Valley.
We’re putting the finishing touches on the lineup, and we’ll have more to share soon!
In the meantime, save November 16–20 on your calendar. We hope to see you there!
GET READY, DISTRICT 3
District 3 business owners, December 1 is getting closer!
That’s when applications open for BIG LIFT District 3, offering eligible locally owned small businesses reimbursement of 80% of approved exterior improvement costs, up to $30,000.
Thinking about new signage, better lighting, a fresh façade, or improvements to your parking area? Now’s a good time to start planning.
Applications open December 1, 2026, and close January 15, 2027.
Check your district, review the program guidelines, and get your project plans together ahead of opening day!
FUND YOUR NEXT MOVE
Sometimes the next step for your business comes down to having the right financing.
The eBridge Fund, BCIC’s revolving loan program, offers $15,000 to $50,000 in fixed-rate financing for eligible brick-and-mortar businesses in Cameron County.
That could mean purchasing equipment, expanding your space, or making improvements that help your business operate more efficiently.
And if you’ve had trouble qualifying for a traditional business loan, the eBridge Fund may be worth exploring.
Visit ebridgefund.com to review eligibility requirements, learn about the application process, and try the payment calculator!
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