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.

Apply to the eBridge Fund

You can start an application for the eBridge Fund today and resume it later.

What the eBridge Fund offers.

Loans that Give Back

Paying back your loan helps contribute to the fund, allowing us to lend to more entrepreneurs.
Fixed Interest Rate

75% of the current Wall Street Journal Prime Rate, with a minimum rate of 3.00% and a maximum rate of 10.00%. The applicable interest rate is determined at the time of loan approval.
Loan amounts

Starting at $15,000 for new businesses and up to $50,000.

$20,000

$15k$25k

5 years

5.06%

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.

Apply to the eBridge Fund

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.

Apply to the eBridge Fund

Small business financing in Cameron County

What you'll actually pay

The eBridge Fund rate vs. typical local options. Lower is better.

eBridge Fund rate today 5% fixed 75% of the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. Minimum 3%, maximum 10%. Set at loan approval.

10% rate cap

Check if you qualify

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

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.
Up to 7 years.
Fixed, as low as 5%* and no more than 10%
*Subject to change based on the prime rate quoted in the Wall Street Journal.
Each project will require a minimum down payment of 10%.
$50 (non-refundable)
3%*
*The loan origination fee may be financed by the eBridge Fund for amounts above $25,000.
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!

• Start your funding application today! •

Apply to the eBridge Fund

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.

Once your pre-application is approved, pay the $50 application fee to begin your full application. This locks in your application slot for the monthly review 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

Start Pre-application

What Our Clients Are Saying

“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
“The funding from the eBridge Fund came as a blessing to our business.”

Francisco Gonzalez & Eva Marlene Moreno
Owners, Todo Natural
"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

Contact us

Hello, World!

FAQ

General

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.
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) administers the eBridge Fund and makes final lending decisions through its Loan Committee and Board of Directors.
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

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.
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: $50 (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

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

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.
No. There are no prepayment penalties for early repayment.
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

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.
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

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

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.
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

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.
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.

Low-interest loans designed for Cameron County’s small business owners.

Loans that Give Back

Fixed Interest Rate

Loan amounts

Eligibility

Eligible activities (what we fund)

Funding that grows with you.

Loan amounts

Length of terms

Interest Rates

Down Payment

Application Fee

Origination Fee

Collateral

Start your funding application today!

•

Start your funding application today! • Start your funding application today! •

Next Steps and Application Timeline (What to expect)

Step 1 - Determine Eligibility

Step 2 - Pre-application

Step 3 - Application

Step 4 - Review and Consideration

“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.”

“The funding from the eBridge Fund came as a blessing to our business.”

"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."

We’re here to support your business.

Contact us

FAQ

General

What is the eBridge Fund?

Who runs the program?

Why choose eBridge Fund insteaf of a bank?

Loan Sizes, Rates & Terms

How much can I borrow?

What are the terms and interest rates?

What fees should I expect?

Is a down payment required?

Application Process & Timeline

How long will the process take?

What triggers application review?

Repayment, Defaults & Prepayment

What is the repayment schedule like?

Is there a penalty for paying early?

What if I run into trouble repaying the loan?

Eligibility & Uses

Who can apply to the eBridge Fund?

What can I use the loan for?

What is not allowed?

Collateral & Guarantees

Do I need collateral?

What does a personal guarantee mean?

Underwriting & Decision Criteria

How long will the process take?

Can I be denied?

Are there conflict of interest rules?

Monitoring & Post-Closing

What happens after the loan closes?

Are there covenants or reporting obligations?

Start your funding application today! •