Search Our Site
This is a very thorough search and may take a while.
Please press "Search" only once.
and 
| Business Enterprise Program Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision |
|||||
| Default Style | Accessible Style | ||||
| BEP HOME | ABOUT BEP | LOCAL RESOURCES | OPERATOR RESOURCES | TRAINING | |
The Business Enterprise Program (usually referred to as the BEP) is a federally authorized program implemented by each state and territory of the U.S.,to train and license people who are blind or visually impaired to establish and operate food service businesses in public and private facilities. In some states, business opportunities have been expanded to include operation of vending stands, snack bars, cafeterias, gift shops, and store-type operations. The BEP is administered in each state by the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency serving persons with vision loss. The BEP trains and supervises business operators, and equips locations, provides initial inventory, and offers on-going technical support.
The BEP was made possible through the Randolph-Sheppard Act enacted in 1936. This landmark federal law provided for first priority rights for people who are legally blind to operate businesses in federal buildings. Shortly after, all states established a similar law that included state, county, city, and municipal buildings. These state laws created excellent employment opportunities for program growth and employment opportunities for persons with vision impairments.
Persons employed in the BEP are essentially small business owners and are referred to as blind merchants, food service managers, vendors, or BEP operators. In some states, they function very autonomously, while in other states are supervised directly by the state VR agency. The program is a combination of business enterprise and vocational rehabilitation program, thus facilities operate in a partly competitive, partly subsidized market environment. Individual facility operators usually start at a minimum salary level. However, many BEP facility managers make salaries far above the minimum salary level. Individuals usually start with smaller facilities as they are learning operations, and then advance to larger more profitable facilities as these locations become available.
To be licensed in the BEP, an individual must be legally blind, be atleast 18 years of age, have United States citizenship, and many states require a high school diploma or GED. Individuals who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for the program. In addition, most states require the person to be registered with vocational rehabilitation services.
Additional skills needed to be a successful business/facility operator include organizational skills, ability to relate well with the public, mathematical skills, management and marketing skills, and motivation.
The BEP provides an opportunity for a quality food service or small business to be located in federal, state or private office buildings to provide convenient services for workers. The BEP facilities are overseen by the state department of Vocational Rehabilitation services, and are directed by experienced business supervisors. Facilities are managed by licensed and qualified persons with vision loss and supported by expertly trained personnel.
Your workplace could be an excellent candidate for a BEP facility if it has any of the following:
The video clip below will explain the program, and how it may be of benefit to you. If you do not already have RealPlayer on your computer, you will need to download a free copy before you can view the video. If you would like to purchase a copy of the video, contact Lynda Goleman at the RRTC or call (662)325-2001.
For more information about the BEP, we have provided a video which requires a Real Player Download Connection. As an alternative, we have also provided this video in text format.
Search Our SiteThis is a very thorough search and may take a while. |
| This entire site is approved by: and |
 |
|