Texas Border Business
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.
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.
Applications for District 1 closed July 10, 2026, following a strong response from local businesses. Businesses in Districts 3 and 4 that are interested in BIG LIFT are encouraged to complete the interest form at brownsvillecic.com/lift to be notified when applications open in their district.
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.
Information source: BCIC
