July 01, 2025
Local News

Sauk Valley small businesses receive state grants

STERLING – A few businesses in the Sauk Valley recently received small business grants to help out during the coronavirus pandemic.

The state set aside $5 million in April for businesses to keep workers employed, and area businesses submitted applications in April and May through the Business Employment Skills Team, or BEST Inc.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $94,362 to 11 eligible businesses in the BEST Inc footprint for reimbursing expenses related to COVID-19.

Grant recipients in the area were Candlelight Inn in Sterling, JJM Printing in Sterling, W@sh in Oregon and Trailside Enterprises in Lake Carroll.