The Pharr Economic Development Corporation has launched its new Pharr EDC II Small Business Grant. The program offers small and emerging for-profit businesses grant assistance to establish or expand into the City of Pharr to support long-term success.
The Pharr EDC will host workshops in English and Spanish on March 29 at Pharr One (1121 E. Nolana Loop) to inform local businesses about the grant opportunities. The English workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and the Spanish workshop will take place from 1-4 p.m.
“The program is designed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, job creation or retention, encourage replacement or rehabilitation of the façade of their storefronts and encourage small business investment for the economic vitality of the community,” said Pharr EDC President/CEO Victor Perez. “We are excited to provide this grant funding to Pharr businesses and we encourage anyone interested in applying to join us at one of our workshops to learn more.”
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation II will consider a reimbursement grant of up to $5,000 per new business and up to $10,000 per existing business. The grantee is responsible for all other expenses accrued through development, improvements and or repairs that exceed the grant amount.
Qualifiable Projects Include, But Not Limited To:
- Working capital
- Equipment purchase
- Signage
- City of Pharr permit fees
- Landscaping
- Small repairs
- Pharr Chamber membership (GPC)
- Storefront improvements – include, but are not limited to window dressing, streetscape, benches, planters, pavers, plaques, banners, lighting, painting and roof repairs.
Eligibility Requirements:
Businesses must be:
- New or existing and physically located in the corporate city limits of Pharr.
- A private, for-profit entity.
- Employ between five and 50 employees, including the owner.
Additionally, businesses must have less than $1,000,000 in projected gross revenues.
Applications for the PEDC Small Business Grant will be accepted, dependent on funding availability. Applicants who apply in times when inadequate funds exist for grants will be informed of the lack of funds. Applications will be reviewed and funded (if eligible) on a case-by-case basis. Approval or denial may be made at the discretion of the president/CEO.
Funding for all approved projects will be dispersed once projects are 100 percent complete. Receipts for all purchases and services must be provided for funds to be distributed. The reimbursement check will be processed and can take up to 15 business days for delivery after the submittal of all required documentation.