Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 9 F E B R UA R Y 9 , 2 0 2 6 Saying no to big-bank fees: Smart. Smart Business Checking No monthly maintenance service charge PLUS no transaction fees up to 500 items per statement cycle: now that's Smart. Switch today at maine.bank A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y P r i s c i l l a H a n s e n M a h o n e y , B l a z i n g T r a i l s C o n s u l t i n g L L C The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a nonprofit association of independent consultants who value "success through collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Q: I keep hearing the phrase 'shovel ready.' What does that actually mean? ACE advises: The term "shovel ready" comes up frequently in conversations about commercial develop- ment. Business owners hear it from lenders, munici- palities, developers and economic development orga- nizations. It sounds simple, but in practice, it rarely is. In Maine, shovel ready is not a single milestone. It is a shorthand phrase that can mean different things depending on who is using it. Understanding what it does — and does not — mean can help business owners avoid delays, cost overruns and mismatched expectations. What people usually mean: At a basic level, being shovel ready suggests that a project has moved past early feasibility questions and is heading toward construction. It often implies that the business con- trols the site, the intended use appears consistent with zoning, early site evaluations have been com- pleted and a conceptual design exists. It may also mean that initial conversations with lenders or inves- tors have begun. This level of readiness signals intent and momen- tum, not final approval. Why it's more complicated in Maine: Commercial development in Maine typically requires local approvals and, depending on the site and scope, state permits. Municipal processes vary widely, and state require- ments are often driven by environmental and infra- structure factors. Common issues that extend timelines include local review processes, environmental permitting related to wetlands or other protected resources, shoreland zoning requirements, stormwater man- agement rules, infrastructure limitations and workforce or scheduling constraints. Industry organizations regularly work to educate busi- nesses and builders on how these fac- tors affect project feasibility and timing. What shovel ready does not mean: A project described as shovel ready does not necessarily mean all permits are issued, construction can begin immediately, utilities are in place, costs are fixed or labor risks have been resolved. Even well-prepared projects may still require months of review and coordination. The takeaway: In Maine, shovel-ready is best under- stood as a conversation starter, not a guarantee. Business owners who clarify what the term means for their specific project are better positioned to manage risk, align expectations, and make informed develop- ment decisions. Priscilla Hansen Mahoney is a business coach for contractors with Blazing Trails Coaching, ACE member, a board member of the Home Builders and Remodelers of Maine and a national speaker on business operations and development.

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