7.b.
TCEDC Agenda
- Meeting Date:
- 04/03/2024
- Title:
- Review and approve updated Business Improvement Grant (BIG Grant) Program form.
- Submitted For:
- Kristin Edwards
- Submitted By:
- Kristin Edwards, Economic Development
- Department:
- Economic Development
ACTION REQUEST (Brief Summary)
Review and approve the updated Business Improvement Grant (BIG Grant) Program Form.
BACKGROUND
The Texas City Economic Development Corporation allocates funds each fiscal year to support business incentives. During the regular meeting held on October 4, 2023, the EDC approved the establishment of the Business Incentive Grant (BIG Grant) Program, to provide existing businesses within the City of Texas City with up to $15,000 in grant assistance.
Specifically, grants will be available at two levels:
Tier 1 (with a maximum of $5,000 in assistance) and Tier 2 (with a maximum of $15,000 in assistance). At the discretion of the EDC, either matching grants or full grants can be issued based on funding availability. Staff is proposing that BIG Grants be issued in an amount not to exceed $50,000 per fiscal year.
The following is not an exhaustive list, but provides examples of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Improvements.
Eligibility: To be eligible for a BIG allocation, businesses must provide proof of operation for at least one (1) year, demonstrate the need for assistance, and meet other requirements as detailed on the BIG Program application form.
Eligible businesses must be located within the City limits of Texas City, must be located in a non-residential zone, and must be current on all taxes.
Applicants must provide sufficient proof of ownership of the property or written permission from the property owner to complete the desired improvements.
Further, businesses may not be subject to any liens held by the City, may not be in violation of any provisions of the Texas City Code of Ordinances, and may not have received a grant from the City of Texas City within the previous 12 months.
Per direction from the March 6, 2024, EDC meeting, staff has updated the program form to include space for narrative about the business itself, as well as a date of submission.
Specifically, grants will be available at two levels:
Tier 1 (with a maximum of $5,000 in assistance) and Tier 2 (with a maximum of $15,000 in assistance). At the discretion of the EDC, either matching grants or full grants can be issued based on funding availability. Staff is proposing that BIG Grants be issued in an amount not to exceed $50,000 per fiscal year.
The following is not an exhaustive list, but provides examples of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Improvements.
| Tier 1 Improvement examples | Tier 2 Improvement examples |
| Interior Lighting | Landscaping (Shrubs/trees, Irrigation) |
| Pedestrian (Exterior) Lighting | Fencing |
| Accent (Exterior) Lighting | Parking/Driveway reconstruction/resurfacing |
| Paving/Pavers | Demolition |
| Seating Areas | Code Compliance (City/IBC/Energy) |
| Awning/shade structures | Fire Suppression Systems |
| Trash Receptacles | Exterior/Façade Materials |
Eligibility: To be eligible for a BIG allocation, businesses must provide proof of operation for at least one (1) year, demonstrate the need for assistance, and meet other requirements as detailed on the BIG Program application form.
Eligible businesses must be located within the City limits of Texas City, must be located in a non-residential zone, and must be current on all taxes.
Applicants must provide sufficient proof of ownership of the property or written permission from the property owner to complete the desired improvements.
Further, businesses may not be subject to any liens held by the City, may not be in violation of any provisions of the Texas City Code of Ordinances, and may not have received a grant from the City of Texas City within the previous 12 months.
Per direction from the March 6, 2024, EDC meeting, staff has updated the program form to include space for narrative about the business itself, as well as a date of submission.
ANALYSIS
Staff recommends approval of the updated Business Improvement Grant (BIG Grant) Program Form.