COVID-19 Resources

Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic many of our downtown businesses continue to make adjustments to their regular business operations, including reduced hours due to staffing shortages, and continuing to offer curbside pickup of product for your comfort. Please continue to show your support to the small businesses, our friends and neighbors, who provide so much to our community. Visit our EXPLORE DOWNTOWN links for all the latest updates from individual businesses.

Updates:

NEW 2021 BACK TO BUSINESS GRANT

Applications accepted August 18 – October 11, 2021

Click to review eligibility requirements and draft application & documentation needed for application.

Please CONTACT US with any questions!

Back to Business Grant FAQ’s

Illinois Main Street Small Business Resources

As of August 2021, the CDC is once again recommending masks be worn, regardless of vaccination status, when indoors. Please be respectful of individual businesses’ requests as to masking when within their places of business.

As of June 11, 2021 Illinois and Whiteside County are in Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, marking the full reopening of all industries and activities.

Small Business Assistance Resources:

Main Street Forward – Community & Industry guidance & best practices

US Chamber – Reopening Business Digital Resources Center

LOCAL:

Sterling Main Street

IL Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College

Greater Sterling Development Corp

City of Sterling

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce

Sauk Valley Community College

Whiteside County Economic Development

Blackhawk Hills Regional Council

STATE:

Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

FEDERAL:

American Rescue Plan Act (Whitehouse)

American Rescue Plan Act Fact Sheet (US Treasury)

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance

Area Small Businesses are strongly encouraged to reach out to their LOCAL LENDER, the Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College, and/or their Accountant to discuss which assistance program(s) are best for their business’s needs.