Overview
Iowa's Premiere Employment Program for Blind Entrepreneurs.
The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) provides opportunities for legally blind Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients of the Iowa Department for the Blind to manage their own businesses. These businesses can be found in federal, state, county, municipal, and private locations throughout Iowa.
Through BEP, entrepreneurs learn all aspects of business, from ordering merchandise to managing employees. They receive equipment, initial stock, and ongoing consultation. The BEP also collaborates with private locations to meet the needs of customers in every situation.
Business Models
In BEP, we use the following three-tier test to evaluate the potential for a business model to be included in the program (taken from the Randolph Shepherd Act):
- Does the business sell a product or a service?
- Does the business produce what it sells on-site or remotely?
- Does the business distribute what it sells automatically or manually?
Getting Started
Within BEP, each entrepreneur is responsible for managing their business and making all business decisions. BEP staff provide guidance and support throughout the process, but are not responsible for operating the business or making decisions for the entrepreneur. Individuals who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs begin the process by meeting with the BEP Executive Officer for an initial conversation about the realities of owning and operating a business in today’s market. Following this conversation, BEP staff work with the individual to develop a preliminary business plan and provide the opportunity to participate in a job shadow with a current entrepreneur.
Rules and Regulations
Randolph-Sheppard Act
Text of the federal law that gives blind individuals priority for vending and cafeteria operations in federal facilities.
Chapter 216D of the Iowa Code
Iowa law gives blind individuals priority for vending and cafeteria operations in state facilities.
Procedure for Use of Set-Aside Funds (Word) (13.77 KB).docx (13.77 KB) .docx
The Business Enterprise Program reflects the philosophy and mission of the Iowa Department for the Blind by demonstrating a positive belief in the independence and capacity of blind people to be independent entrepreneurs in all aspects of the convenience service industry.
Submit a Referral
Interested in creating your future with BEP? Please use this form to submit a referral to the Iowa Department for the Blind. Enter the name of the individual being referred to the Iowa Department for the Blind. We will contact the person referred to discuss the program and answer any questions.
For more information about Iowa BEP opportunities and getting started in our training program, please contact Matt Nemmers.