South Carolina Business One-Stop, or SCBOS, has changed the way we conduct business in our state. This online system streamlines access to government information, saves time, and removes bureaucracy – making government more use-friendly and convenient. I am particularly proud of this project not only for its innovation, but for the collaborative effort that brought it to fruition. SCBOS is a shining example of what can be achieved when public and private entities join forces.

SCBOS, created in 2005, allows prospective business owners to get most required permits and licenses from the convenience of their home or place of business, and make a single payment for all fees at the end of their transaction simply by going online to www.scbos.com. SCBOS presents a series of questions to users that determine what transactions must be made, with what agency, and then directs users through the necessary steps. This ensures all prerequisites are met in sequence before fees are paid, so that the user submits only the required applications during one convenient transaction. Those needing services who are unfamiliar with these types of administrative requirements can rest assured knowing they have completed the process correctly. The site collects data, submits applications, and facilitates payment via credit card or electronic funds withdrawal, and sends the necessary information to the proper state agencies. In addition, security measures have been built into the system to ensure a user’s privacy and data integrity. South Carolina was among the first in the nation to utilize a Website of this scope.

It has been estimated that it takes an average of 47 hours of filling out applications to start a business in South Carolina. This is unacceptable. Through SCBOS, the start-up time has been greatly reduced, giving businesses more time to open their doors, promote their product, and hire employees.

New, as well as existing businesses can use SCBOS to obtain necessary licenses and file and pay their taxes from the Website. The SC Department of Revenue via SCBOS offers alcohol beverage license renewals online. The SC Department of Consumer Affairs offers four important applications: Initial Maximum Rate Filing Schedule Consumer Credit Sales, Initial Maximum Rate Filing Schedule Consumer Loans, Consumer Credit Grantor Notification Form, and Credit Notification for Rent-To-Own Businesses.

Additional functions offered by the Secretary of State’s Office include the ability to change a registered agent, change of a registered office for corporations, limited liability company, and non-profit corporations. Domestic corporations may file Articles of Dissolution or Amendment. Domestic and foreign corporations may file the Resignation of Registered Agent and Discontinuance of Registered Office forms via SCBOS. Domestic LLCs now have the ability to submit Amended Articles of Organization. Domestic non profit corporations can file Articles of Amendment, and domestic LLPs can now renew their applications online.

Other state agencies offering services through SCBOS include the SC Employment Security Commission, and Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry. As the momentum continues, more agencies will be added.

Since its inception, nearly 13,800 businesses have been formed utilizing this Website. These businesses represent every South Carolina county, 48 states, as well as Canada, Austria, Haiti and India. Also, over $4.1 million in payments have been processed for online services provided via SCBOS. Finally, customer feedback has shown that the majority of SCBOS users find the service “Very Easy to Use,” and 96.5 percent of respondents said they would use SCBOS again.

This initiative has far exceeded expectations, and I am excited about its potential in the coming years. SCBOS is truly a public-private partnership that benefits both our state and the business community.

Mark Hammond is the 41st South Carolina Secretary of State. He is responsible for the statewide registration of corporations, Uniform Commercial Code interests, business opportunities, employment agencies, trademarks, notaries and cable franchise authority. The Secretary of State’s Office oversees the incorporation of municipalities and special purpose districts, the annexation of land, and the escheatment of real property in South Carolina. Hammond serves as the administrator and regulator of all charitable laws of South Carolina. The Secretary of State is the custodian of Acts ratified each year by the General Assembly and handles the publication of positions within certain statewide boards and commissions. Hammond is an ex officio member of the Legislative Council and the Commission on Consumer Affairs.

The Executive Steering Committee for SCBOS included the Secretary of State’s Office, Department of Revenue, DHEC, Employment Security Commission, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Department of Commerce, Budget and Control Board, SC Chamber of Commerce, Municipal Association of SC, and the SC Association of Counties. Other contributing partners included the SC Chief Information Officer, USC’s Small Business Development Center, the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Department of Insurance, Probation, Pardon and Parole, SC School for the Deaf and Blind, the US Small Business Administration, Richland County, the SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce, SCANA, and the SC Association of Certified Public Accountants. The Comptroller General and Treasurer’s Office were also instrumental in helping to get SCBOS off the ground.

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This post is part of The Palmetto Scoop’s ongoing Sunday Guest Post Series where South Carolina’s leaders make weekly contributions about important political issues. Our thanks go out to Mark Hammond and his staff for taking part.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 18th, 2008 at 8:00 am and is filed under Sunday Guest Post Series. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.