Celebrating Blind Entrepreneurs in Iowa’s Business Enterprise Program
National Small Business Week, happening May 4–10, 2025, is a time to recognize the vital contributions of entrepreneurs across the country. Here at the Iowa Department for the Blind, we’re proud to highlight the impact of the entrepreneurs in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP).
The BEP is unique in that it empowers Iowans who are blind through entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but for those who are intrinsically motivated, who embrace the opportunity to solve problems for others, and who like navigating big-picture plans while managing the details, opening a small business is a prime example of living independently!
As part of this year’s celebration, we’re proud to spotlight two standout BEP locations: the Neil Smith Federal Building in Des Moines and several Iowa Rest Areas throughout the state. These sites reflect the hard work and leadership of BEP entrepreneurs who contribute to Iowa’s economy and serve the public daily.