THIS WEEK
BIG LIFT opens for District 2 businesses tomorrow, September 1, 2026!
The program helps locally owned Brownsville small businesses make exterior improvements to their properties, reimbursing 80% of approved project costs up to $30,000. Eligible projects can include façades, signage, lighting, parking lot improvements, landscaping, windows, awnings, and more.
To qualify, businesses must be locally owned, located within Brownsville city limits, have been open for at least two years, and employ fewer than 20 people.
District 2 applications will be open September 1 through October 9, 2026.
ÚLTIMO DÍA PARA APLICAR
Hoy es el último día para solicitar un lugar en la próxima clase de eBridge Business Academy.
Del 8 al 29 de septiembre, emprendedores podrán participar en siete sesiones prácticas en español o inglés para trabajar temas como descubrimiento de clientes, propuesta de valor, finanzas, operaciones y preparación para lanzar o crecer un negocio.
Las sesiones serán los martes y jueves, de 4:00 a 7:00 p.m., en el eBridge Center. El programa es gratuito gracias al patrocinio de BCIC y es facilitado por el UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center.
¡Si estabas esperando para aplicar, hoy es el día!
HEAR IT FROM ANTHONY
What exactly is the eBridge Fund, and when might it make sense for your business?
Anthony Cantu, our Small Business Lending Coordinator, recently broke it down during 1 Million Cups at the eBridge Center, explaining how the fund gives Cameron County businesses another financing option when they are looking to open, improve, or expand.
The eBridge Fund offers eligible commercial businesses loans from $15,000 to $50,000, fixed interest rates as low as 5%, terms of up to seven years, and no prepayment penalties.
Hear it straight from Anthony, then see whether the eBridge Fund could fit your next project.
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