6.a.
TCEDC Agenda
- Meeting Date:
- 06/03/2026
- Title:
- Consider Business Improvement Grant (BIG Grant) in an amount of $7,033.80.
- Submitted For:
- Kristin Edwards
- Submitted By:
- Kristin Edwards, Economic Development
- Department:
- Economic Development
ACTION REQUEST (Brief Summary)
Consider Business Improvement Grant (BIG Grant) in an amount of $7,033.80.
BACKGROUND
In October 2023, the Texas City Economic Development Corporation established the Business Improvement Grant (BIG Grant) to assist local businesses with a range of improvements.
Staff has received a completed application from Jordan Collins with Smokin J Homemade Burgers and BBQ for property located at 10000 Emmett F. Lowry. The applicant is requesting assistance for picnic tables ($2,700), awnings ($2,095.06), signage ($5,272.54), and mural installation ($4,000), per the attached estimates.
The total cost of the proposed exterior renovations is $14,067.60. A 50% match for this project would be $7,033.80.
One key note: Eligibility requirements for the BIG Grant include verification that all property taxes have been paid on the property, and the applicant is not able to provide this information. The property owner – Jerome Karam, JMK5 – did attach a letter of support for the improvements.
Funds are available in the City of Texas City’s FY2025-26 annual budget from the Texas City Economic Development Corporation, Fund 801.
Staff has received a completed application from Jordan Collins with Smokin J Homemade Burgers and BBQ for property located at 10000 Emmett F. Lowry. The applicant is requesting assistance for picnic tables ($2,700), awnings ($2,095.06), signage ($5,272.54), and mural installation ($4,000), per the attached estimates.
The total cost of the proposed exterior renovations is $14,067.60. A 50% match for this project would be $7,033.80.
One key note: Eligibility requirements for the BIG Grant include verification that all property taxes have been paid on the property, and the applicant is not able to provide this information. The property owner – Jerome Karam, JMK5 – did attach a letter of support for the improvements.
Funds are available in the City of Texas City’s FY2025-26 annual budget from the Texas City Economic Development Corporation, Fund 801.
ANALYSIS
Approve Business Improvement Grant (BIG Grant) for exterior improvements to Smokin J Homemade Burgers in an amount of $7,033.80 with the caviet that all property taxes for the site have been paid prior to award of the grant.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Attachments
- Awning estimate
- BIG Grant - Smokin J
- Mural estimate
- Picnic tables 1
- Picnic tables 2
- Signage estimate
- Owner support letter
- Resolution