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Business Enterprise Program

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) provides persons who are legally blind with an opportunity for employment and self-support through the operation of vending facilities on federal and other properties.

Program Overview

The BEP was established in 1936 under the Randolph-Sheppard Act, more commonly known as the Business Enterprise Program. The program offers many resources and training opportunities for individuals who are legally blind.

Practices for Recruiting Transition-Age Youth

The purpose of this resource guide is to assist Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program (BEP) staff in recruiting transition-age youth with legal blindness into the program. The guide discusses recruitment strategies for transition-age youth currently used by BEPs across the country and provides suggestions for developing recruitment practices for transition-age youth.

• Available formats:
  • BEP Transition Guide (WORD)
  • BEP Transition Guide (PDF)
• Last updated: 07/07/2025

Working with Blind Entrepreneurs who have Hearing Loss

This resource guide was developed to assist Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program (BEP) staff working with blind entrepreneurs with hearing loss. It gives suggestions and strategies for accommodating these entrepreneurs in training activities, on-the-job, and at meetings.

• Available formats:
  • Hearing Loss Resource Guide (WORD)
  • Hearing Loss Resource Guide (PDF)
• Last updated: 06/12/2014

Program Resources

The program offers various resources, including:

• Business Enterprise Program Brochure (available in WORD and PDF formats)
• Facility Manager Resources

Funding and Support

The content, development, and maintenance of this website are supported in part by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), current grant number 90RTEM0007. NIDILRR is a center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS.