BCIC opens storefront grant applications for Brownsville District 2 businesses
Brownsville’s community development arm is taking applications for a storefront improvement grant that can reimburse eligible small businesses for exterior upgrades.
Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation has opened applications for its BIG LIFT Citywide Storefront Improvement Grant Program for eligible small businesses in Brownsville City Commission District 2.
The application window runs from Sept. 1 through Oct. 9, 2026. BCIC says the program is a one-time reimbursement grant for exterior improvements at eligible locally owned businesses. The agency will reimburse 80% of approved project costs, up to $30,000, while applicants cover the remaining 20% and pay full costs upfront before reimbursement is issued after completion and document review.
The minimum total project cost is $2,000. Eligible work can include facade 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.
BCIC says work started before it issues a Notice to Proceed will not be reimbursed. The program also requires applicants to meet property, documentation, tax, code-compliance and contractor-quote requirements.
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 can apply, and tenants can apply if they meet lease and owner-authorization requirements.
BCIC said applications are reviewed and scored by staff before going to the Board of Directors for final approval. The agency said District 1 applications closed July 10, 2026 after a strong response from local businesses.
BCIC also said districts 3 and 4 are scheduled for later rollout. District 3 applications are set to open Dec. 1, 2026 and close Jan. 15, 2027, while District 4 applications are scheduled for March 1 through April 19, 2027.
District 2 businesses can review the full guidelines and apply in English or Spanish at brownsvillecic.com/lift. Questions may be directed to Eric Quintero, BCIC’s director of community development, at equintero@brownsvillecic.com.
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