PROGRAM BY THE

Thank you for your interest in the eBridge Fund program. We are currently not accepting applications due to the limited availability of funds. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please check back with us at a later time for updates on when we will resume accepting applications.

StartUp, Thrive, Scale.

The eBridge Fund program is designed to provide a more attainable option for businesses who are otherwise unable to obtain conventional bank financing or need a more competitive rate in comparison to current market rates. The objective of the eBridge Fund is to serve as an economic development tool to encourage business retention and expansion, relocation of businesses to Cameron County as well as assisting new start-ups that in return will retain and/or create employment opportunities and stimulate investment in the community.

Loan Terms

Loan amounts : $15,000 - $250,000


Startup Businesses: (0-3 years old): Can apply for loans up to $100,000


Existing Businesses (3+ years old): Can apply for loans up to $250,000


*Program funding is limited, and consideration of loan applications is subject to the availability of funds.


Interest rates : Fixed, As low as  5.50%.


*Subject to change based on the prime rate quoted in the Wall Street Journal.


Length of Terms:

Working Capital: 3 to 5 years 

Machinery & Equipment: 10 years or useful life

Real Estate: 15 years

Collateral : 

Loans shall be secured with the best available collateral

Down Payment: 

Each project will require a minimum of 10% down payment

Origination Fee: 

3%

Application Fee: 

$150.00 (non refundable)

Eligibility

To be eligible for our eBridge Fund, your organization must:


(1) Have an existing business or start-up business in the eligible lending area- Cameron County (must have a brick-and-mortar location)

(2) Create new employment opportunities with competitive wages.

(3) Demonstrate credit worthiness and the ability to repay the loan. 

(4)  Submit required financial documents and other supporting documents

(5) Loan projects must be in compliance with city and county land-use plans and regulations.

Eligible Activities

Working Capital

Acquisition of land and/or buildings

Site preparation, construction, and/or rehabilitation of buildings, leasehold

improvements 

The purchase of equipment, machinery and/or fixtures for business operations and/or installation of fixed machinery

and equipment

Targeted public infrastructure

Ready to Start or Scale your Business?

1

2

Before you Apply:

At eBridge Fund, we enjoy taking time to get to know both you and your business. We want to ensure that you are ready to borrow, and matched with the right loan program and amount.  

Step one

Step two

Complete the Pre-Application to determine your eligibility. Email the pre-application to vpadron@bcic.us. We will get back to you within 5-7 business days.  

Review our Application Checklist so you may become more familiar with the required documents.

If you need assistance with creating a business plan be sure to connect with our diverse partner network including: SCORE, your local Small Business Development Center and the UTRGV ECC and the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.
Do you still have questions after reviewing the pre application and the application checklist? Click below to get in contact with a team member to answer your specific questions about our loan process.

Application Process:

1

2

Application Fee: $150.00


The eBridge Fund is designed to be flexible in meeting your needs. Collateral requirements, credit determinations, and loan terms are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In general, here’s what we’re looking for:


Character: Are the owners dedicated, hard working, and qualified to run the business?


Capacity: Is the business plan viable? Will the borrower be able to repay the loan (and other bills)?


Conditions: Do the mutually agreeable terms and conditions meet the business needs?

Step one

Step two

Complete a loan application by clicking the "APPLY NOW" button below.  We encourage you to view the application checklist to have all documents ready before submitting the application. The application is available online, you must create an account using your email. All documents shall be uploaded via the application portal for the application to be considered complete.

As soon as the application is complete the applicant will be notified; the application fee must be payed via the application portal or by check or money order payable o Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.


The application will ONLY be reviewed when the application fees have been payed.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted on a monthly basis and the deadline to submit will be the last day of every month. BCIC staff will notify the applicant if there are pending documents, questions, and/or comments for changes, alternations, or adjustments to the proposed project.


All applications must be approved by the BCIC Board of Directors. Complete applications will be presented for consideration by the BCIC Board at the next scheduled meeting. 

After you Apply:

The relationship between the eBridge Fund and its clients does not end at loan closing. eBridge Fund and its partner networks provide ongoing business support..

We provide direct business advisory services and help facilitate other business services through our partner networks. We perform regular business checkups to make sure that your business is succeeding as planned and can help facilitate additional funding as needed.



Click here to make payments on your loan. Payment schedules & methods will be discussed as part of the loan application and closing process.


Send us a message or contact us :

vpadron@bcic.us

1304 E. Adams St.

Brownsville, Texas 78520

(956) 983-9445