Sterling/Alden was among one the first six communities selected to participate in the E-Community program in 2007. This E-Community includes the South Central Kansas cities of Sterling and Alden, both located in Rice County. Rice County has a total population of 10,761 and ranks 63rd in population among the 105 counties in Kansas. Collaboration between the two towns began when Cooper Memorial College became Sterling College in 1887.
Sterling and Alden are unique, rural communities for several reasons. Sterling College provides many aesthetic, educational and cultural activities, and opportunities for the community. Rice County is also centrally located in the state and has a rich history due to it’s presence in the “Land of Quivira.” Sterling also has a community lake that serves as the setting for Kansas’ oldest Fourth of July celebration.
Josh Gilmore, President
Sterling Chamber of Commerce
113 S. Broadway
Sterling, KS 67579
josh@gilmoresolutions.com
Email:
josh@gilmoresolutions.com
Office: 620-278-3600
Jill Nichols, Director
Rice County Economic Development
101 West Commercial
P.O. Box 171
Lyons, KS 67554
Email:
rced@ricecounty.us
Office: 620-257-5166
Application & Process
Sterling_Alden_Application_Process.pdf
Links
Sterling's Official Website
Key Resources
Kansas Small Business Development Center, Wichita State University
The WSU Small Business Development Center offers free & confidential business management counseling, including business plan development, marketing, financial analysis for existing businesses & start-ups.
Kansas Department of Commerce, Office of Rural Opportunity, South Central Region
The KDOC ORO serves as a contact point for rural communities seeking assistance with community development to help attract businesses, workers and investment.
Great Plains Development, Inc.
As a Certified Development Corporation, Great Plains evelopment, Inc. completes business finance packages, does financial analysis on business projects, assists with strategic planning for individual communities or for the region, and completes Community Development Block Grants for communities.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Area 1
USDA offers many different loan and grant programs for business startups and expansions.
Central Prairie Resource Conservation and Development
Central Prairie RC&D provides assistance with business planning, technical details, networking, and financial areas of starting or running a business.