Downtown Dollars | Sterling Main Street

Launching for 2026!

Introducing Downtown Sterling Dollars
Support our downtown — and support your community.
When you purchase Sterling Main Street’s Downtown Dollars, you’re giving more than a gift: you’re fueling local growth. Each certificate can be redeemed at participating shops, restaurants, and service-businesses throughout downtown Sterling. By choosing local, you help keep dollars circulating within Sterling, maintaining the energy, uniqueness, and vitality of our main street.

How it works:

Certificates are available in $10 increments and can be purchased at the Sterling Main Street office Monday through Friday or the Twin City Farmers Market on Saturdays for convenient use.
They function just like cash at any participating downtown business. No need for change tracking — each certificate has a unique ID and is accepted by merchants as payment.
Businesses simply turn the certificates in to Sterling Main Street and are reimbursed accordingly — making the process seamless for everyone.
Recipients get the flexibility to shop, dine, explore downtown and pick whichever participating downtown business fits their interest.

Why Downtown Dollars matter:

They make excellent gifts or rewards — perfect for holidays, employee recognition, incentives, or community prizes.
They highlight and elevate our vibrant downtown business community — each certificate redeemed creates a ripple effect of local impact.
They help ensure our downtown remains a destination for visitors and locals alike, preserving the character and economic resilience of Sterling.

Let’s build stronger connections, stronger commerce, and a stronger downtown. Purchase your Downtown Dollars today — gift big and shop local!

Downtown Dollars are accepted at the following businesses:

If you are a business located in Downtown Sterling, Illinois and interest in accepting Downtown Dollars as a form of payment, learn more about the program HERE and Sign Up today! Contact Us for more information.