Business Enterprise Program
The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) trains and assists people who are blind
in establishing and operating food service businesses in
public and private facilities across the state. The Division of Visual Services
equips locations, provides initial inventory and offers on-going business
counseling.
Licensed blind entrepreneurs are educated in food safety, hospitality, marketing
and business management. Upon completion of the education courses, the new
owners open and operate a private food service business.
A portion of
business proceeds is paid to the Oklahoma Department of
Rehabilitation Services to support the entrepreneurial program.
Total sales generated by blind owned business in this program average over $10 million each year.