Harlingen, TX (KRGV) — The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation said it is bringing back one small business grant, increasing another and opening its Revitalize Harlingen program to businesses across the city.

Revitalize Harlingen remains a matching grant of up to $10,000, but the EDC removed its geographic zones and opened the program to businesses citywide from the start. The owner of Majestic Event Center used the program to help transform the property.

The EDC also added historic preservation as an eligible use for the $100,000 set aside for downtown.

“At the EDC, we believe in fostering our small businesses and anything we can do to support them. We want them to thrive in the city of Harlingen and grow. All we do for our businesses is to retain them here in the city of Harlingen,” Harlingen EDC Small Business and Startup Manager Maria Escobar said.

Equip Harlingen helps businesses buy equipment and the EDC brought the program back after hearing from businesses that needed equipment to expand production.

Boost Harlingen, the marketing grant, will increase its maximum match from $1,500 to $2,000. Business owners say these grants can make a difference.

The owner at Majestic hopes more property owners will look at what is available and take the plunge.

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