GARDINER — Establishing a business in Gardiner just got easier.

A new guide designed to help businesses better understand the city’s permitting and licensing process is now available.

Jason Simcock, the city’s planning and development director, said the guide is like a road map. It includes details on how to navigate certain downtown regulations, including rules regarding the historic district and flood plain; provides a list of contracts; and offers a “user-friendly” reference chart.

Mayor Andrew MacLean said it’s a way for officials to make good on their desire to help businesses be successful in Gardiner.

“Whether looking to start or expand a business downtown, the Libby Hill Business Park or elsewhere in Gardiner, the new guide provides lots of helpful and practical information upfront for businesses,” MacLean said.

Simcock said the guide has more than 14 pages of business assistance programs.

Currently, he said the city offers assistance via tax increment financing, a “gap finance” revolving loan fund and a discount program for new or expanding commercial waste water connections.

“In addition to local assistance, the guide covers regional, state and federal finance programs,” Simcock said. “Gardiner included information about commercial tax reimbursements, credits, and exemptions as well as work force training, environmental protection other technical assistance programs.”

“A Guide to Doing Business in Gardiner, Maine,” is available online at /www.gardinermaine.com/Public_Documents/GardinerME_Depts/ecdev.

Simcock said businesses also are encouraged to contact Gardiner’s planning & development office at 582-6892, or email questions to econdev@gardinermaine.com.

Mechele Cooper — 623-3811, ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com