Seguin Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program

The Seguin Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program is a competitive matching grant initiative created by the City of Seguin, Texas to support the enhancement and beautification of local commercial properties. Its core aim is to stimulate local economic development by assisting business owners with costs associated with real property improvements that contribute to the city’s visual appeal and commercial vitality. Eligible applicants include for-profit business owners, commercial property owners, or tenants with physical locations within Seguin city limits. The program reimburses up to 75% of the cost of qualifying fixed asset improvements, with a maximum annual award of $10,000 per applicant. Qualified expenses include façade improvements, signage installation or renovation, site upgrades like parking, fencing, lighting, sidewalks, landscaping, and other real property enhancements such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and foundational work. All grants under this program are reimbursement-based, meaning applicants must complete their projects and submit paid receipts to receive funding. Labor provided by the applicant or their staff is not reimbursable. Only improvements initiated after a fully executed grant agreement are eligible. Projects must be completed within nine months of approval, and businesses must remain operational for at least 12 months thereafter to avoid repayment. Applications are accepted exclusively via the online BIG application portal and are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual budget is exhausted. A scoring system evaluates applications based on business location, type, improvement value, and other criteria. Incomplete applications are rejected and must be resubmitted. Documentation requirements include a W-9, lease agreement if applicable, detailed cost estimates, and project photos. Approved grantees must notify the city upon project completion and allow city staff to inspect improvements. Payments are issued within 30 days of verification. Applicants who sell, close, or relocate their business within six months of funding must repay the full grant; partial repayment may be required up to one year post-award. The City of Seguin retains full discretion over funding decisions and may modify program guidelines at any time. All legal matters related to the program are governed by Texas state law. For questions, applicants can contact the Seguin Economic Development Corporation at 830-401-2476.

Submit early due to limited funding; ensure all documents are included to avoid delays; emphasize eligibility of fixed improvements only; labor and in-kind contributions are not reimbursed.