Mejia: Brownsville is creating a community and culture for entrepreneurs

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is seeking to partner with for-profit and non-profit organizations or corporations that seek creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in the city.The Type B Economic Development Corporation has started its 2020 Economic Impact Grant Program. “We’re looking to assist with transformational projects that enhance the quality of life for our residents while also enhancing the economic well-being of the community,” said Cori Peña, director of community development at BCIC.“We are looking for those special public-private projects that can present unconventional approaches to problems, be pivotal in the redevelopment of our Historic Downtown, increase recreational tourism, or help spur small business development all while increasing sales tax revenue and fostering investment opportunities.”Josh Mejia, executive director of BCIC, said the Economic Impact Grant will ultimately replace the previously known BCIC “Capital Projects Grant.”Through this opportunity, he said, the BCIC will partner with organizations by supplementing up to $400,000 towards projects or initiatives that will enhance the economic well-being of the community, promote sustainable business development and employment opportunities, and attract public/private investments.“We want to be smart about the growth of our City,” Mejia said. “We have been working in collaboration with the City of Brownsville on where our future growth and sustainability needs should be, and we welcome projects that meet our requirements in a way that promotes economic development opportunities.”Mejia spoke about the 2020 Economic Impact Grant Program at a recent economic development information forum hosted at by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and held at the Brownsville Event Center.Mejia said BCIC strives to fund endeavors that are distinctive and novel in their approach and encourages organizations to develop projects that have the potential for transformative impact to the community.He said the the process includes a two-step application, which requires applicants to schedule a mandatory preliminary meeting before beginning the full application process. At the chamber event Mejia also spoke about eBridge, a 36,000 square foot building that will house programs by BCIC and other organizations, including UT-Rio Grande Valley, to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses. It will include an incubator for startups. The Economic Development Administration believed in the project so much it awarded a $900,000 grant. “We want to create a community, a culture for entrepreneurs,” Mejia said.Mejia’s remarks at the chamber event are contained within this podcast. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.