The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop was a collaborative effort between Richland County, SC and state agencies to provide regulatory information to hundreds of local businesses. The workshop included presentations from 21 government agencies and organizations, as well as informational booths. It was well attended with over 200 participants from across South Carolina and other states. The workshop was considered very successful based on its goals of educating businesses on regulations and making the information permanently accessible online. The enduring value of posting all presentations online helped businesses statewide.

1. National Association of Counties
Achievement Awards 2010:
Civic Education and Public Information
“Business Rules & Online Tools”
Workshop
Hosted by:
Richland County, SC and
the SC Business One Stop

2. Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 2
Table of Contents
Abstract of the Program.................................................................................................................. 3
The Problem/Need for the Program................................................................................................ 3
Description of the Program............................................................................................................. 4
Use of Technology.......................................................................................................................... 5
The Cost of the Program................................................................................................................. 6
The Results/Success of the Program............................................................................................... 7
Worthiness of an Award ................................................................................................................. 8
Attachments .................................................................................................................................... 9

3. Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 3
Abstract of the Program
The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop was conceived by questions, a lot of questions:
businesses – new, existing, or potential businesses – asking lots of questions of governments
about what they need to know to do business, even other State and local agencies asking
questions of each other about what they require of businesses. Answers, let alone clear and
simple answers, are hard to find, particularly in one place.
This unique day-long workshop for businesses was a collaborative effort by federal, State, and
County governments to provide those answers. It presented a wealth of information about
governmental regulations, and where to go online for more information, to hundreds of attendees
from across and even outside South Carolina. Each participating agency also had a booth for
sharing additional information as well as allowing businesses to meet one-on-one with staff from
the agency for discussing specific questions or issues.
The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop also brought together a variety of business-
support organizations. These organizations, such as the Columbia Business Development
Center, State Chamber of Commerce, and others, also had booths at the workshop to share
information and promote the resources they represent for the attending businesses. Their
participation also ensured that they too gained valuable regulatory information, which thereby
empowered them to provide more accurate information to their constituent businesses and
clients.
The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop’s enduring legacy is the vertical (different levels
of government) and horizontal (various State and County agencies and business-support
organizations) collaboration that made it possible for businesses to access the workshop’s
regulatory presentations in one place, anytime, from anywhere, via the Internet.
The Problem/Need for the Program
The Richland County Business Service Center (BSC) recognized the great need of businesses
and other organizations to understand what is required to do business within South Carolina and
its local jurisdictions. This need was identified by
- the volume of questions from new businesses about what regulations, both local and State,
apply;
- the number of businesses found to be not in compliance with the County’s requirements
(25% non-compliance in some areas initially);
- the number of people starting their own businesses for the first time (averaging 166 new
businesses a month);
- the number of business organizations, such as women and minority business associations and
others, which would benefit by being better equipped to support their constituent businesses
by having a better understanding of governmental regulations themselves; and
- the number of State agencies who would benefit by being better informed about other
governmental regulations that may apply to the businesses they interact with.
Compounding the great need for governmental regulatory information is the historical lack of
access to that information. While it is businesses’ responsibility to know and understand the

4. Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 4
governmental regulations that apply to it, i.e., “ignorance of the law is no excuse,” that is only
half the story. It is also a governmental responsibility, and is mutually beneficial to both
government and business, to communicate regulatory information as clearly and conveniently as
possible.
Richland County takes this responsibility to heart, and reaches out to the business community as
much as possible. While passive methods of communication were implemented in recent years,
via website, an e-mail address, and brochures and posters, this only sets the foundation for
developing more active communication. This includes providing newly developed Richland
County Business Handbooks to Rotary Clubs, CPA’s and accountants, Chambers of Commerce,
County and State agencies, and business support organizations; giving presentations to business
classes and business support organizations; and sponsoring informational booths at business-
related events.
The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop represents the culmination, so far, of the
County’s proactive commitment to reaching out to the business community. This was
accomplished extremely effectively by coordinating this event with State and federal agencies
that regulate businesses as well as with organizations that interact with the business community.
The benefactors were intended from the outset to be not only the target audience, i.e., new and
existing businesses, but also the very participants in the workshop: State and County agencies.
Business-support organizations with booths at the workshop also gained valuable information
which empowered them to provide more accurate information to their constituent businesses and
clients.
Description of the Program
The context: The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop represents the County’s recognition
(1) of the business community as a distinct constituency with special needs, (2) of what the
special needs of the business’ community actually are, and (3) it represents the County’s
commitment to meeting those needs.
By providing information regarding federal, State and local requirements to assist businesses
comply with those requirements, the County supports some fundamental priorities of the entire
community:
- ensuring the health and safety of citizens living in, working in, or traveling to or through the
community;
- helping businesses save money by complying with requirements and avoiding penalties
and/or fines; and
- enhancing the government’s ability to cover the costs of providing services within its
jurisdiction. Greater compliance also means spreading the cost of county services across a
broader cross-section of the community, thereby helping reduce the burden to all.
The unique approach taken in developing this workshop evolved from observing the nature of
the businesses’ need for information and then considering how best to meet that need.
Effectively meeting that need for information regarding governmental regulations almost
required governments, agencies, and organizations to work together. Bringing the University of
South Carolina’s Moore School of Business and various business-support organizations was an

5. Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 5
extension of the County’s desire to reach as many businesses – or potential businesses – as
possible.
The workshop: The Business Rules & Online Tools workshop was an all-day workshop, opening
at 8:30 in the morning and lasting until 5:00 in the afternoon. To make the most of the
participants’ time, presentations were held two at a time, in different rooms, of course. Some
presentations were repeated, so participants could attend different presentations. The
presentations themselves, while they provided an overview of various regulations, were also
helpful by including contact information for finding more information about the subject.
Lunch was catered with box lunches, to use the time most effectively by keeping participants on-
site. A keynote speaker gave the presentation during lunch for all participants on sweeping new
legislation that affected businesses across the board: immigration reform legislation.
Booths by the federal, State, and County agencies as well as business-support organizations were
available throughout the day. After each presentation, the speakers would proceed to their
respective booth to be available to answer any additional or specific questions or issues. The
booths also provided agencies to distribute more information and forms than the presentations
allowed. The booths also had conference-style bags available for participants to gather all the
informational materials and forms they were collecting from the various booths.
The conclusion: As a result of the Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop:
- new and established businesses, and people interested in starting their own business, learned
what government agencies require for different business types;
- businesses responsible for the financial records of other businesses learned what government
agencies require for their clients’ businesses;
- businesses had opportunities for one-on-one consultations with regulatory agencies as well as
with organizations dedicated to supporting businesses;
- businesses were informed of how the newest State immigration legislation impact them; and
- businesses, governmental agencies, and business-support organizations have instant access to
the workshop presentations through the Internet.
Use of Technology
The “Business Rules & Online Tools” workshop used technology to help accomplish its mission
of helping educate the business community. Every presentation was submitted electronically in
advance to the workshop coordinators for proofing, standardizing, and avoiding potential
operational problems. Having the presentations in advance also facilitated the smooth and quick
transition between speakers and their presentations, important with a full day’s agenda.
Most importantly, however, technology – via the Internet – permitted the benefits of the
workshop to endure long after it concluded. Immediately after the workshop, all the
presentations were placed on several County and State websites for easy reference by the
business community. The information can now be accessed at any time, from any place, by any
one. These online presentations are an important tool for helping governments fulfill its
obligation of making its requirements clear and accessible to those responsible for complying
with them.

6. Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 6
The Cost of the Program
The budget for the Workshop was divided between the SC Business One Stop (SC BOS) and the
Richland County Business Service Center, as shown below.
Item SC BOS RC BSC Total
Advertising $2,950.00 $2,988.00 $5,938.00
Billboards (Lamar) $1,350.00 $1,350.00 $2,700.00
Radio Spots (WVOC) $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $3,000.00
Fliers (printing/copying, mailing) $100.00 $138.00 $238.00
Catering $0.00 $603.81 $603.81
Paid Registrants: 224+14 -$2,380.00
Unpaid Staff: 14 $0.00
Cost per box lunch: 9.95 $2,507.40
Taxes: 9% $225.67
Service Charge: 10% $250.74
Miscellaneous $50.00 $729.95 $779.95
ShowClix Pre-Register Cost ($3/ticket) $672.00
Assorted Supplies $17.95
Gift Basket for Speaker $40.00
Drinks for staff, lunch for staff $50.00 $0.00
Room Rental $700.00 $0.00 $700.00
Total Cost: $3,700.00 $4,321.76 $8,021.76
The chart below shows the distribution of total costs. Advertising, while critical to the success of
the workshop, is considered a discretionary cost, as it has some room for creativity, such as
through e-mails, social networking sites, etc., so the word can get out at less cost. Additionally,
wherever possible, planners “piggy-backed” on existing resources, such as using the County’s
business license mailing and using existing e-mail listservs for advertising the workshop.
Actual Costs for Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop
73%
8%
10%
9%
Advertising
Catering
Misc.
RoomRental

7. Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 7
Geographic Diversity of Workshop Registrants
Iowa
1%
Georgia
1%
Upper
Savannah
2%
Pee Dee
5%
Lowcountry
13%
Upstate
24%
Midlands
51%
North Carolina
3%
The Results/Success of the Program
By involving as many stakeholders as possible, and obtaining their buy-in and support, the
Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop was a tremendous success in many ways. The
workshop’s objectives, and how they were met so successfully, are described below:
Attendance: A primary objective of the workshop was
to reach out to as many businesses as possible. This
objective was achieved with the attendance of two
hundred (200) people, coming from as far away as
Charlotte, NC; Savannah, GA, and even Iowa.
Approximately half of attendees came from outside
the Midlands region, where the workshop was held.
The geographic diversity of the attendees was
indicative of the workshop’s appeal to the entire
state’s business community.
Participants: Another fundamental objective was to obtain the participation of all three levels of
government in the workshop. Richland County represented the local level, with six departments
involved. The State had thirteen departments participate. The federal government had two
agencies participate. There were also four business-support organizations participating. (See
Attachments at end for a list of all participating agencies.)
Presentations: Another primary objective was to offer a variety of meaningful, informative
presentations by government agencies regarding their business regulations. In all, twenty-one
(21) presentations were given: six by Richland County, nine by the State, one by the federal
government, and five by business support organizations. To maximize the time available,
attendees could attend one of two presentations offered each half hour, plus the keynote address.
Booths: Another objective was to include the participation of organizations which support the
establishment and development of businesses to enhance the benefit to businesses attending the
workshop. Agencies giving presentations also had booths to provide additional or specific
information about their requirements. There were also booths by business-support organizations
attending this event to share their information with businesses. (See Attachments for the names
of participating organizations with booths.) In all, there were twenty-two (22) booths available
to provide information and resources to businesses.
Evaluations: Another objective of the workshop was to make it as beneficial to the business
community as possible. This was attained with 84% of the evaluation respondents considering
this first of its kind workshop as either Very Good or Excellent.
After the Workshop: Another important objective of the workshop was to give businesses a way
to refer back to the information presented, to make the benefits of the workshop enduring. To
this end, trade-show style bags were distributed to attendees to collect brochures and information
from the presentations and booths.
Additionally, and most importantly, all the presentations were made available on several County
and State websites for future reference by the business community. The information provided in
these presentations also served as a resource for developing Richland County’s first Business
Handbook.

8. Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 8
Worthiness of an Award
The Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop was the first of its kind: a collaborative workshop
among federal, State, and local governments for the sole purpose of assisting businesses, and
incidentally themselves as well, better understand governmental regulations, providing that
information clearly and succinctly in one place at one time, with knowledgeable staff also
available to answer specific questions. Even greater than this, though, was the collaboration
among the core group of ten people from six State and County agencies who spent thirteen
months planning for it.
Another important distinction of this workshop is its enduring value. Any business is now able
to view the workshop presentations on the Internet (www.rcgov.us/bsc and click “Information
Guides” on the right). Posting all the presentations online at the agencies’ websites helps
educate businesses and citizens no matter what time it is, or wherever they might be.
To further enhance the benefit to businesses, the workshop also included many organizations
whose primary mission is to support businesses. These included (1) the University of South
Carolina’s Small Business Development Center and (2) its renowned Moore School of Business.
Also participating was the (3) South Carolina Women’s Business Development Center, (4) the
Columbia Business Development Center, (5) the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and (6)
Midland’s Technical College’s Business FastTrac Program.
Additionally, due to half of attendees coming from outside the Midlands area (where Richland
County is located), the Business Service Center expanded its presentation on its business
requirements to include all possible local requirements (taxes, user fees, etc.) across the state,
rather than discussing only Richland County’s requirements. This broadened the information
provided and served to make the businesses aware of local requirements that may apply in
whatever jurisdiction they are located or conducting business.

9. Richland County: Business Rules & Online Tools Workshop 9
Attachments
Participating Agencies and Booths:
County government:
1. Richland County Business Service Center (1 booth)
2. Richland County Auditor’s Office (1 booth)
3. Richland County Building Inspections Department (1 booth)
4. Richland County Emergency Services Department
5. Richland County Planning & Services Department
6. Richland County Public Library (1 booth)
State government:
1. SC Business One Stop (1 booth)
2. SC Department of Commerce
3. SC Department of Health and Environment Control (3 booths)
4. SC Department of Consumer Affairs (1 booth)
5. SC Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
6. SC Department of Revenue (1 booth)
7. SC Employment Security Commission
8. SC Energy Office (1 booth)
9. SC Secretary of State’s Office (1 booth)
10. SC State Library (1 booth)
11. Governor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Assistance (1 booth)
12. USC Moore School of Business (1 booth)
13. USC Small Business Development Center (1 booth)
Federal government:
1. US Internal Revenue Service (1 booth)
2. US Small Business Administration (1 booth)
Business-Support Organizations:
1. Columbia Business Development Center (1 booth)
2. Midlands Technical College: Business FastTrac Program (1 booth)
3. South Carolina Chamber of Commerce (1 booth)
4. South Carolina Women’s Business Development Center (1 booth)

11. 2
“Business Rules & Online Tools” Business Workshop
Friday, February 6, 2009
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
State Museum, Gervais Street
Agenda
Booths open at 8 am, all sessions are 25 minutes, with exception of Lunch and 4:00 session
A
= Session will be in Auditorium R
= Session will be Repeated again during the day
Start Track 1 (Auditorium) Track 2 (Congaree Room)
8:30 Non-Electric or How do I do all this without a
computer? R
How Green Saves Business $$ R
9:00 Richland OnlineA
9:30 SCBOSA
10:00 Business Taxes –BPPT, Sales & Withholding Permitting for Hazardous Materials
10:30 SCBOS Walkthrough Starting an Internet Business? (Zoning) R
11:00 Financing Your Business R Legal Business Structures for Small Business
R
11:30 Overview of Food & Drink Regulations Starting an Internet Business? (Zoning)R
Noon Lunch Break: Keynote: Illegal Immigration Act on Small and Local Business
1:00 Panel Discussion on Illegal Immigration AND/OR Booth TimeA
1:30 Employment Regulations – Part 1 Starting a Storefront Business? (Zoning) R
2:00
Employment Regulations – Part 2
Charging Interest to Your Customer – It
Could Cost You!
2:30
Legal Business Structures for Small Business R Charging Interest to Your Customer – It
Could Cost You!
3:00
Financing Your Business R Non-Electric or How do I do all this without a
computer? R
3:30 How Green Saves Business $$ R
Starting a Storefront Business? (Zoning) R
4:00 Pulling It All Together – The Business PlanA
Booths close at 5 pm

12. 3
Convenient, Instant, Around the Clock, Around the World Access
www.rcgov.us/bsc
County Codes
Forms
Hospitality Tax
--------
Calendar Of Important Dates
Current Licensed Businesses
Find Your Business Locations
Find your NAICS code
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary
Information Guides
Resources And Links
--------
Online Renewal Form
Deduction Calculator
--------
Home
Are you ready to start a business?
The US Small Business Administration wants to help you make sure. Being ready
will help your business succeed in these tough economic times. Click the link to
find out if you are ready.
Small Business Tax Guide
The South Carolina Department of Revenue offers a very informative “Small
Business Tax Guide.” Click the link above to go that valuable resource for
important information.
Guide to Doing Business in South Carolina
A legal guide to doing business in South Carolina has been prepared by the law
firm of Wyche Burgess Freeman & Parham, P.A. This guide has many sections
covering a broad range of issues that apply to doing business in South Carolina.
Click the link above to go that valuable resource for important information.
SC: State and Local Business Information and Regulations:
1. Business Personal Property Taxes
2. Business Planning - USC
3. Consumer Credit Regulations
4. Financing Your Business
5. Food and Beverage Regulations
6. Green Business Practices & Award Programs
7. Hazardous Materials and Waste
8. Home Based Business Regulations
9. Intro to SC Business One Stop
10. Legal Business Structures
11. Online Resources At the Library
12. SC Illegal Immigration Reform Act Info
13. SC Local Fees and Taxes and Richland Online
14. Zoning and Development Regulations