Applications & Documentation
If you are familiar with the BLEDC process and are aware of what type of assistance you are requesting, please click on the link below corresponding to the type of assistance you need. Please print the application and complete all information and return to the BLEDC for consideration.
If you are not familiar with the BLEDC Grant/Loan Program, or unsure what type of assistance you may need, please complete the "Assistance Request" form below and we will contact you for more information and will assist you in the application process.
The goal of the BLEDC is to promote the economy of Big Lake, Texas, by providing all types of assistance to both existing and new businesses. We are here to help you overcome burdens and obstacles you may face in business development.
Please review the Grant/Loan process at the bottom of this page (here) for important information.
In order for your application to be considered by the BLEDC Board of Directors, and to schedule a presentation by you and/or your representatives, the completed application and all required documentation must be received by the Executive Director no later than 12:00 noon on the last Friday before the meeting.
The process generally takes 90 days or more from presentation to disbursement.
Typical scenario for timeline:
You make the formal request by completing and returning a grant/loan application and completed "Business Plan";
Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Sec. 505.160 a public notice is posted and published in the newspaper advising of a Public Hearing and 60 day comment period on the use of Type B funds with intent to grant sales tax funds and to whom.
Executive Director will review application for thoroughness and meet with you to discuss details of the financial assistance request and advise of any additional documentation required or requested;
You will be added to agenda for next regularly scheduled board meeting (see #2) for presentation to Board of Directors.
2. Next regularly scheduled board meeting:
You will prepare and present a detailed presentation to the BLEDC Board of Directors indicating what type of grant/loan you are requesting, how much you are requesting, and how the money will be used to benefit the economy of Big Lake;
You will be prepared to answer questions from the Board of Directors and explain in further detail if requested from any board member;
Board will discuss the grant/loan request and provide staff with directives and additional information needed prior to next following board meeting;
As a general rule, no decision will be made at this meeting.
3. Next following regularly scheduled board meeting:
You may attend the board meeting, however, it is generally not required unless requested;
Executive Director will present, on your behalf, any additional requested paperwork or documentation; Executive Director will provide any additional information obtained since last meeting;
Board or Directors may or may not make a decision;
if no decision is made, Board of Directors will provide staff with directives and additional information needed prior to next following board meeting;
if approved decision is made, Board of Directors will determine the amount approved, terms, and length of agreement. (see #4)
if approval is denied, no additional action will be taken and staff will contact you either by phone, in person, or by correspondence, or a combination of any of the above, on the next scheduled business work day.
4. If approved amount is equal to or greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), Executive Director will submit a Resolution, prepared by an attorney, to be read at a future regularly scheduled City Council meeting. It is possible that one or more City Council meetings will pass before the Resolution is completed;
City Council will vote to approve or deny Resolution;
If denied, no additional action will be taken and staff will contact you either by phone, in person, or by correspondence, or a combination of any of the above, on the next scheduled business work day;
If approved, no further action will be taken until 2nd reading at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
5. Next regularly scheduled City Council meeting:
a 2nd reading of the Resolution will be presented;
City Council will vote to adopt or deny the Resolution.
If denied, no additional action will be taken and staff will contact you either by phone, in person, or by correspondence, or a combination of any of the above, on the next scheduled business work day.
If approved, staff will contact you and make an appointment to come into the Big Lake EDC Office to sign and finalize all paperwork and requirements. This will often be done with attorney present, either in person or by tele-conference. It is imperative that all questions and clarifications be addressed at this time. After paperwork is signed by both parties, the contract is considered in effect and valid and must be adhered to.
6. Any awarded monies can be disbursed after this and 60 days public notice date and subject to terms and agreements as set forth by the Big Lake EDC Board of Directors.