Edinburg EDC Unveils Façade and Lot Improvement Program (FLIP) to Boost Local Businesses

Staff Reports

Edinburg, TX, January 12, 2024 — The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) is rolling out the Façade and Lot Improvement Program (FLIP), a strategic initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to local small businesses grappling with challenges from recent adversities.

FLIP responds to the economic repercussions of the pandemic, escalating inflation, and severe weather events that have impacted the local economy, causing damage to signs, awnings, facades, parking lots, and more. With a commitment to aiding the community’s recovery, the EEDC is set to offer grants of up to $10,000 to qualifying small businesses for necessary repairs and improvements. The program officially launched on January 8, 2024.

Program Overview:

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. Eligible improvements include repairs to existing parking lots, signage, and facades, with the project timeline extending from the program’s initiation on January 8 through September 30, 2024. Final approval from the EEDC Board of Directors is necessary for the grant.

Operating on a reimbursement basis, the FLIP program disburses funds upon the completion of approved projects. Any expenses incurred before approval and obtaining the building permit will only be reimbursed with the EEDC Board of Directors’ approval.

In cases of financial hardship preventing the undertaking of improvements, the EEDC may consider providing financial assistance up to the grant amount for qualifying businesses.

Eligibility Criteria:

Businesses must meet the following criteria to qualify for the FLIP program:

• 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 commencing work, all improvement projects must be approved by the EEDC staff and the City of Edinburg’s Development Services. Approved projects are eligible for waived permit fees.

For further details on the FLIP program, visit www.edinburgedc.com or contact the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation at (956) 388-8914.