New and existing businesses in Richland County can now apply for their first business licenses online.
Business owners obtaining a license for the first time previously had to apply in person at the County’s Business Service Center (BSC) downtown. With County offices still closed because of COVID-19, business owners can now apply via the BSC website: www.richlandcountysc.gov/bsc.
“This new online application process enables new businesses to be automatically informed about what is needed and the status of their applications,” said Pam Davis, division manager for the BSC. “This is a tremendous service enhancement for new businesses, particularly during these challenging times.”
Every business in Richland County needs a license to operate legally, including those based in a home, and all County business licenses expired Dec. 31. Existing businesses have until March 15 to renew their licenses without penalty. The County emailed renewal applications to first-time renewing businesses in early January.
Along with license application instructions, the BSC site contains a wide array of tools, including the “Starting a Business” webpage, which provides information for potential business owners on beginning the process.
For more information, email the BSC at bsc@richlandcountysc.gov or call 803-576-2287.