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BROWNSVILLE, Texas — The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is launching “Let’s Talk About Money for Small Businesses” aimed at educating local entrepreneurs about the financing options available through BCIC’s programs. We are pleased to announce that we will be holding a bilingual information session titled “. This session will be held on Thursday, October 17th at the eBridge Center.
This event is divided into two segments to accommodate both English and Spanish speakers. Presentations will be in English from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM and in Spanish from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM. The event will be led by Victoria Padron, Chief Operating Officer of BCIC, and will provide insight into two major funding programs: the Recovery Fund and the e-Bridge Fund. Both programs aim to provide financial relief and funding accessible to businesses at various stages, from start-ups to established businesses looking to expand.
Victoria Padron, COO of BCIC, said:
“Through these programs, we aim to provide small and medium-sized businesses with the financial support they need at every stage of their operations. The Recovery Fund will provide critical relief to businesses affected by the pandemic; The eBridge Fund, on the other hand, provides flexible financing options for companies looking to grow, expand or relocate.”
The Recovery Fund is one of the last remaining COVID-19 relief programs still available for small businesses, offering 0% forgivable loans of up to $20,000. Businesses that previously received assistance through programs such as the PPP are still eligible to apply for recovery funds. The program is designed to help businesses retain their employees and recover from revenue losses caused by the pandemic, providing much-needed support during the ongoing recovery process.
The eBridge Fund is a revolving loan program available to businesses in Cameron County. Depending on the purpose of the loan, we offer loans from $15,000 to $50,000 with interest rates as low as 6.35% and repayment terms of up to 15 years. The fund is designed for businesses that are unable to secure traditional bank financing or seek more competitive interest rates. It can be used for working capital, real estate, machinery and equipment, and provides flexible financial support for businesses looking to expand, relocate or create jobs in the region.
This session will explain the application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits of each financing option. BCIC staff will answer your questions and provide guidance on next steps. Attendees who sign up will also enjoy a complimentary lunch during the event, providing a great opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs in a relaxed atmosphere.
About Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development corporation. Dedicated to driving sustainable economic development, improving quality of life, fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting strategic projects, and fostering partnerships that support Brownsville’s thriving and vibrant community. . BCIC operates under three pillars. The first is community development. This is accomplished through initiatives such as BIG grants, which support the revitalization and preservation of historic downtown Brownsville, and quality of life grants, which aim to improve community well-being. These grants fund projects that create welcoming and inclusive spaces, improve amenities, and promote activities that benefit residents and visitors alike. The second pillar is a financial program that supports local small businesses by providing funding to help them start or expand. This creates jobs with living wages and contributes to economic stability across the region. The third pillar is Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and BCIC supports entrepreneurs’ journeys through incubation, acceleration, and ongoing support.
