The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation has launched its Façade and Lot Improvement Program, an initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to local small businesses that have faced significant challenges in recent years.

FLIP addresses the aftermath of the pandemic, high inflation, and severe weather storms that have adversely affected the local economy, causing damage to signs, awnings, facades, parking lots and more. The EEDC will support the community’s recovery by offering up to $10,000 in grants to qualifying small businesses for repairs and improvements.

Program Details

The EEDC has allocated $400,000 for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to support at least 40 qualifying small businesses, providing grants of up to $10,000 each. The program covers repairs to existing parking lots, signage and facades, with eligible improvements to be implemented from the date of program initiation through Sept. 30. Final approval from the EEDC board of directors is required for the grant.

FLIP operates on a reimbursement basis, with approved projects receiving funds upon completion. Any project expenses incurred before approval and obtaining the building permit will not be reimbursed unless approved by the EEDC board of directors.

Additionally, if a qualifying business faces financial hardship preventing them from undertaking the contemplated improvements, the EEDC may consider providing financial assistance up to the grant amount.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for FLIP, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Located within Edinburg city limits.
• Commercial property owner and/or an existing for-profit business (tenant) in Edinburg with fewer than 20 employees.
• Currently operating and locally owned.
• Current with all local property tax payments.
• No outstanding code enforcement violations or liens.
• Submission of two quotes for work, with at least one from an Edinburg business/vendor/contractor.
• Authorization from the landlord via letter if the grant recipient is a tenant.

Eligible Expenses

The program covers hard costs associated with the renovation of exterior portions of property owned or leased by the qualifying small business. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Construction of outdoor patios.
• Exterior painting, re-siding, cleaning or other façade improvements.
• Restoration of significant architectural details.
• Installation of permanent landscaping.
• New doors, windows or awnings.
• Parking lot resurfacing with striping.
• Repair, removal and replacement of old signage.
• Roof repairs that are part of the existing building.

Before starting work, all improvement projects must be approved by the EEDC staff and the City of Edinburg’s Development Services. Permit fees are waived for approved projects.

For more information and to apply, visitedinburgedc.com or contact the EEDC at 956-388-8914.