The Cibolo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) has awarded more than $200,000 in business development grants during fiscal year 2026, the first year of its EDGE Grant Program, and is now consolidating its grant offerings into a single, two-tier program for fiscal year 2027. The shift matters because it simplifies access to funding while expanding the range of projects eligible for support, from small facade improvements to major investments of $1 million or more.
The new structure creates a Standard EDGE Grant, a 50/50 matching reimbursement of up to $15,000 for eligible commercial property improvements such as facade enhancements, signage, exterior construction, lighting, and parking upgrades. A second tier, the Special Circumstances EDGE Grant, offers up to $50,000 for qualifying projects involving an investment of $1 million or more, designed to attract larger business investments that align with Cibolo's economic development goals. By combining the programs, CEDC aims to simplify the application process and provide greater flexibility for projects of different sizes.
Clancy Hardin, Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City of Cibolo, said the first-year results demonstrate strong momentum and that the updated structure will allow CEDC to support projects of all sizes. The program, originally introduced in July 2025, has already provided awards to businesses across retail, restaurants, and personal services, including River City ACE, CRUST Pizza, and Max & Louie's New York Diner. Those recipients illustrate the program's reach across sectors and its role in encouraging local investment.
Business owners described the grants as pivotal. Derek Campbell, owner of Crust Pizza in Cibolo, said the grant signaled that the city was invested in helping bring the restaurant to reality and reinforced that small business owners are important to Cibolo. Shannon Eklund of River City Ace Hardware said the funding meant a great deal to her family and supported their goal of creating a welcoming community gathering place. Drew Glick, owner of Max & Louie's NY Diner, said the grant helped install drop-down blinds on the patio and offset the cost of building signs, enhancing the comfort and usability of the outdoor dining space.
The more than $200,000 awarded in FY2026 reflects CEDC's broader strategy of encouraging private investment, business retention, and expansion while attracting new investment. With the two-tier EDGE program for FY2027, CEDC is widening the pool of qualifying projects without losing its focus on responsible economic development and long-term community growth. Businesses seeking eligibility details or application information can visit www.cibolotx.gov/EDC.
