Low-interest loans designed for Cameron County’s small business owners.
The eBridge Fund offers a more accessible financing option for small businesses in Cameron County that may not qualify for conventional bank loans or require a more competitive rate.
The program supports business growth, expansion, and job creation — helping local entrepreneurs open, improve, or scale their businesses.
You can start an application for the eBridge Fund today and resume it later.
What the eBridge Fund offers.
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Loans that Give Back
Paying back your loan helps contribute to the fund, allowing us to lend to more entrepreneurs.
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Fixed Interest Rate
As low as 5% and no higher than 10%
(as of Jan. 2026) -
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Loan amounts
Starting at $15,000 for new businesses and up to $50,000.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply to the eBridge Fund if you meet all of the following:
You operate or will operate a commercial, brick-and-mortar business in Cameron County.
Your project creates new employment opportunities with competitive wages.
You demonstrate creditworthiness and the ability to repay the loan.
You submit the required financial and supporting documents.
The project complies with local land use plans and regulations.
The fund cannot be used for residential or speculative real estate projects.
For the complete eligibility requirements, you can read our guidelines and checklist.
Eligible activities (what we fund)
Working capital.
Construction, renovation, or leasehold improvements for commercial business use.
Purchase and installation of equipment, machinery, and fixtures.
Targeted public infrastructure tied to business operation.
Acquisition of commercial land and buildings for business operations.
Funding that grows with you.
We’ve worked with local businesses across Cameron County. These are entrepreneurs who needed an attainable path to capital, then used the money to renovate spaces, buy equipment, and hire local workers.
Each of these businesses received support through the eBridge Fund and reinvested in their communities
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Startup Businesses (0-3 years old): Can apply for loans up to $25,000
Existing Businesses (3+ years old): Can apply for loans up to $50,000
*The program is available exclusively to commercial, brick-and-mortar businesses in Cameron County.
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Up to 7 years.
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Fixed, as low as 5%* and no more than 10%
*Subject to change based on the prime rate quoted in the Wall Street Journal.
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Each project will require a minimum down payment of 10%.
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$150 (non-refundable)
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3%*
*The loan origination fee may be financed by the eBridge Fund for amounts above $25,000.
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All loans require collateral. Acceptable collateral includes business or personal assets such as inventory, machinery, or equipment, depending on the level of risk.
Start your funding application today!
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Start your funding application today! •
Next Steps and Application Timeline (What to expect)
Step 1 - Determine Eligibility
Quickly confirm that you meet the basics by reviewing the Program Guidelines.
This helps ensure your project is a good fit before applying. In general, eligible projects are located in Cameron County, support job creation, demonstrate 10–15% of the project cost as available capital, and comply with local land-use and permitting requirements.
Estimated time to complete: 10–30 minutes
Step 2 - Pre-application
Create an online account in our application portal, and complete the pre-application.
Pay the $150 application fee to start a formal review. This locks in your application slot for the monthly cycle.
Time to submit: 20–45 minutes
Staff response time: 5–7 business days
Step 3 - Application
If your pre-application is approved, you will be invited to submit the full application.
Use the Application Checklist to gather and upload required documents, such as tax returns, profit & loss statements, personal financial statements, proof of available capital (10–15%), lease or deed, permits, vendor quotes, and a business plan if required.
If documents are ready: 1–3 days to upload and submit
If you need records or a plan: 1–2 weeks to prepare We’ll connect you to SCORE, SBDC, UTRGV ECC, or the Brownsville Chamber if you need help.
Step 4 - Review and Consideration
Staff reviews your complete application, requests clarifications if needed, and prepares a recommendation.
Applications are presented to the Board at the next monthly meeting.
Typical timeline: 60-90 days, depending on application completeness and where it falls within the monthly review, and Board meeting cycle
What Our Clients Are Saying
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“Nuestra experiencia con eBridge Fund ha sido excelente. El procedimiento resultó rápido y sencillo, ya que nos llevaron de la mano durante todo el proceso.”
Cristina Guillen & Cristina Muñoz
Owners, Cero Grados -
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“The funding from the eBridge Fund came as a blessing to our business.”
Francisco Gonzalez & Eva Marlene Moreno
Owners, Todo Natural -
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"Every step you take to establish your business strengthens your confidence and ability to commit to a loan - making it a more calculated and strategic decision."
Omar Garza
Owner, Warbler Coffee
We’re here to support your business.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Victoria Padron, BCIC Chief Operating Officer, or Anthony Cantu, Small Business Lending Coordinator.
vpadron@brownsvillecic.com | 956 551 2494
acantu@brownsvillecic.com | 956 561 1766
FAQ
General
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The eBridge Fund is a local, revolving loan fund that provides low-interest, fixed-rate loans to commercial, brick-and-mortar businesses in Cameron County. Because it’s a revolving fund, repayments are reinvested into the pool and lent again, multiplying the benefits for the entire community.
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The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) administers the eBridge Fund and makes final lending decisions through its Loan Committee and Board of Directors.
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The eBridge Fund is designed for businesses that require more flexible, local underwriting than conventional banks typically offer.
We focus on community impact, job creation, and project readiness — and offer ongoing technical support after.
Loan Sizes, Rates & Terms
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Loans range from $15,000 to $50,000. Startups (0–3 years) may receive up to $25,000; existing businesses may receive up to $50,000.
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Terms are generally up to 7 years.
Interest is fixed for the life of the loan and is based on the Wall Street Journal prime rate. The program sets a minimum (3.75% or 75% of the prime rate, whichever is higher) and a maximum cap (10%).
There are no prepayment penalties. -
Application fee: $150 (non-refundable).
Origination fee: 3% of the loan amount, payable at closing. For certain loans (for example, amounts above $25,000), the origination fee may be financed. -
Yes. Borrowers must provide a 10% down payment, and applicants must show 10–15% of the project cost as available capital.
The exact requirement is determined on a case-by-case basis during underwriting.
Application Process & Timeline
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Typical approval timeline from submission to final decision is 60–90 days, depending upon how complete your application is and whether staff needs additional documentation.
Pre-application feedback is typically received within 7–14 business days. After Board approval, disbursement occurs once documents, insurance, and other closing conditions are complete. -
our application will only be reviewed after the $150 application fee has been paid and the portal contains all required documents. Incomplete files delay committee review.
Repayment, Defaults & Prepayment
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Repayment schedules are set at closing and are based on the loan amount, term and borrower cash flow projections. The schedule is designed to be manageable and supportive of business growth.
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No. There are no prepayment penalties for early repayment.
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Contact the eBridge administrator immediately. Open communication enables us to evaluate options, such as temporary modifications or workout plans; ignoring the issue only makes the outcomes worse. The Loan Agreement outlines default remedies.
Eligibility & Uses
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Businesses with a physical brick-and-mortar location in Cameron County.
Startups (0–3 years) and existing businesses (3+ years) are eligible, provided they demonstrate a track record of job creation or retention and the ability to repay the loan.
See full eligibility rules in the Guidelines. -
Typical uses include land or building acquisition for commercial purposes, construction/renovation/leasehold improvements, equipment and machinery purchases, working capital for operations, and other projects aligned with the program's mission.
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Not eligible: residential construction or speculative housing projects, real estate investment not tied to an operating business, refinancing of existing debt, or businesses in prohibited industries (for example, gambling or adult entertainment).
Collateral & Guarantees
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Yes. All loans require collateral. Acceptable collateral commonly includes business assets (such as equipment, inventory, and fixtures); if these assets are insufficient, personal assets may be required.
Owners with 20% or more equity must provide a personal guarantee. -
If the business cannot repay, the guarantor(s) become personally liable. This demonstrates the owner’s commitment and is a standard part of community loan programs.
Underwriting & Decision Criteria
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Once a complete application is received, BCIC staff conducts an initial review and underwriting analysis. The application is then presented to the Loan Committee for discussion and recommendation.
If the Loan Committee supports the request, the proposed loan terms are shared with the applicant. Once the applicant confirms acceptance of the terms, the application is scheduled for consideration by the BCIC Board of Directors at the next available Board meeting.
If additional information, clarification, or revisions are needed at any stage, BCIC staff will contact the applicant. The review timeline may pause until all requested items are received.
All loans require final approval by the BCIC Board of Directors. After Board approval and completion of closing requirements, applicants can typically expect funds to be disbursed within 15–30 days.
The complete review and approval process typically takes 60-90 days, depending on the completeness of the application and the timing of the Board meeting. -
Yes. Common denial reasons: incomplete documentation, insufficient equity or collateral, unresolved bankruptcies, speculative projects, or failure to demonstrate job creation or repayment ability. Conflicts of interest or ineligible industries can also disqualify an applicant.
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Yes. Board members, loan committee members, BCIC staff, City Commissioners, and their immediate family members are restricted from being loan recipients; a post-service moratorium is applied to prevent conflicts of interest. Applicants must disclose any such relationships.
Monitoring & Post-Closing
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We stay involved. Borrowers submit annual financial statements and semi-annual job reports until loan repayment. Periodic site visits verify project progress and compliance. The eBridge Fund also helps connect borrowers to technical assistance resources.
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Yes. Expect routine financial reporting, job creation tracking and open communication about material changes to operations or ownership. The Loan Agreement will specify any additional covenants.