BIG LIFT Small Business Improvement Grant Program
Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC)
Up to $30,000 (80% reimbursement of approved exterior costs; minimum project cost $2,000)
Citywide Brownsville exterior-improvement grant reimbursing 80% up to $30,000; District 2 opens Sept 1 – Oct 9, 2026.
BIG LIFT is BCIC's citywide storefront and site-improvement grant for locally owned Brownsville small businesses. It reimburses 80% of approved exterior improvement costs, up to $30,000, for projects such as façade renovations, signage, lighting, parking-lot resurfacing, drought-tolerant landscaping, outdoor patios, and murals. The program rolls out one City Commission district at a time; District 1 closed July 10, 2026 and District 2 opens September 1, 2026.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Amount range
- $1,600 – $30,000
- Realistic amount
- $1,600 to $30,000 depending on project cost; BCIC share capped at 80% up to $30,000
- Deadline
- District 2: September 1 – October 9, 2026
- Status
- upcoming
- States
- TX
Who qualifies
- For-profit, locally owned and operated business
- Located within Brownsville city limits
- Open and actively operating for at least 2 years
- Fewer than 20 employees
- Property owner or tenant with at least 24 months remaining on lease (or documented renewal option) plus notarized owner authorization
- Current on property taxes and no outstanding code violations, liens, or compliance issues
- Minimum total project cost of $2,000
- Two contractor quotes required, at least one from a Brownsville-based contractor
Who is not eligible
- Home-based businesses
- Nonprofits
- Residential or multi-family properties without a commercial storefront
- Businesses not locally owned
- Businesses with 20 or more employees
- Bars/taverns without a valid TABC Mixed Beverage Permit and Food and Beverage Certificate
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Façade painting, re-siding, cleaning, architectural restoration
- Doors, windows, and awnings
- Signage repair or replacement
- Parking-lot resurfacing and striping
- Drought-tolerant landscaping and hardscaping
- Outdoor patios and seating
- Murals and public art by a local artist approved by BCIC
- Exterior lighting
Ineligible expenses
- Interior work
- New construction
- Equipment or HVAC
- Security systems
- Routine maintenance
- Any work started before Notice to Proceed
How to apply
-
1
Confirm district eligibility and gather quotes
Use the district finder on the BCIC page to confirm your Brownsville Commission district and its open window. Obtain two contractor quotes (at least one from a Brownsville-based contractor).
~2 hrs
-
2
Prepare owner/tenant documentation
Ensure property taxes are current and there are no code violations or liens. Tenants need a notarized owner authorization letter and at least 24 months remaining on the lease or documented renewal option.
~1.5 hrs
-
3
Complete the BIG LIFT application
Fill out the online application at brownsvillecic.com/lift, upload quotes, proof of tax compliance, and required business documentation.
~2 hrs
-
4
Receive Notice to Proceed and complete work
Do not start work until BCIC issues a Notice to Proceed. Complete the exterior improvements and retain invoices, photos, and proof of payment.
~0.5 hrs
-
5
Submit reimbursement documentation
After project completion, submit documentation for BCIC approval and reimbursement of BCIC's 80% share.
~2 hrs
Wait for the official Notice to Proceed before starting any work—expenses incurred before that notice are ineligible—and prioritize Brownsville-based contractors since one of the two required quotes must be local.
Deadline & timing
District-by-district rolling schedule: District 1 closed July 10, 2026; District 2 opens Sept 1 – Oct 9, 2026; District 3 Dec 1, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027; District 4 Mar 1 – Apr 19, 2027.
Required documents
- Completed BIG LIFT application
- Two contractor quotes (one from Brownsville-based contractor)
- Proof of locally owned and operated status
- Proof of at least 2 years in operation
- Property-tax compliance documentation
- Notarized owner authorization (if tenant)
- Lease or renewal option showing at least 24 months remaining (if tenant)
- TABC Mixed Beverage Permit and Food and Beverage Certificate (bars/taverns only)
- Before/after photos and paid invoices for reimbursement
Related programs
This program is not taking applications today — these are
Alternatives computed from the live GrantCompass catalog on August 24, 2026 — all 165 open grant programs · filter the database.
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Researched and verified 2026-08-24 against the official program source. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.