Downtown Updates

 

 

The Pots ‘n’ Pedals Festival was a success! The Kansas wind stayed away until most activities concluded, and it turned out to be a very pleasant day. Thank you to all of the volunteers, we couldn’t have done it without you!

 

We had 33 cars entered in the Pedal to the Metal Car Show, 29 garage sales listed on the locator maps, 36 kids participated in the pedal tractor pull, and over 40 attended the historic downtown walking tour.

 

The Main Street Sterling Economic Restructuring committee would like your help! They are conducting a consumer survey, and would like to hear from you. The survey can be filled out at Broadway Market, Cool Beans, Gambino’s, the Main Street Office and the Post Office. It is also available on our website, www.sterlingks.org. If you join our e-mail newsletter list when you fill out your survey, you will be entered into a drawing for $50 in Main Street Bucks. The drawing has been extended until June 15. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts!

 

The Main Street Sterling Membership Drive is still going on. Thank you to our members so far! If you would like to become a member, you can pick up a form in the Main Street office or print one from our website. Membership levels are Bronze, for individuals, nonprofit organizations and clubs, from $25 to $75; Silver, for individuals and small businesses for $76-$225; Gold, for mid-sized businesses, from $226-$375 and Sterling Silver for large business, corporations and utilities investing $376 and more.

 

Main Street Sterling is funded by membership dues from local businesses, professionals, property owners, financial institutions, industry, concerned citizens and the City of Sterling.

 

Have you thought about updating the façade of your downtown building or starting a new business in downtown Sterling? If so, Main Street Sterling can help. Financial assistance is available from Main Street Sterling and Kansas Main Street for your business or facade of your building.

 

Main Street Sterling has grant money available through the Legacy Fund, which was established several years ago to help improve the facade of downtown buildings. This is a 1:1 match grant program ($1.00 of your money, $1.00 of MSS money) that can be used for paint, windows, awnings, and signage. To apply, pick up an application in the Main Street Sterling office.

 

Grants and no-interest loans are available with the help of Kansas Main Street, and the Department of Commerce, through our Incentives Without Walls (IWW) program. The program's intent is "to create or stimulate private investment in designated Kansas Main Street downtown areas". The next deadline to apply for IWW money is August 8. Up to $20,000 may be awarded in each round (August and February). The program requires a minimum of 3:1 match for funds ($3.00 of private money for every $1.00 of IWW funds). Funds may be granted only for the purpose of preserving historic (over 50 years old) buildings, all other funds will be provided as no-interest loans. If you are interested in learning more about these programs, contact the Main Street Office.