Iowa Department for the Blind
524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-2364
Phone: 515-281-1333, 800-362-2587 • Fax: 515-281-1263 •
E-Mail: contact@blind.state.ia.us
Home [1] | Getting Started in BEP [2] | Vending Sites [3] | Obtaining BEP Food Services [4] | Contact [5]
The Business Enterprises Program (BEP) provides opportunities for legally blind Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) clients of the Iowa Department for the Blind to manage their own businesses -- operating vending machines, road side vending sites, or snack bar/catering services. These businesses can be found in federal, state, county, municipal, and private locations throughout Iowa. Interested? Learn more about our employment services [6], submit a referral with your contact information [7], or contact your VR counselor [8].
Through BEP, you'll learn all aspects of the food service business, from ordering merchandise to managing employees. You'll receive equipment, initial stock, and ongoing consultation.
Evolution of the Randolph-Sheppard Act [10]
Growth of Vending Stand and Cafeteria Businesses in Iowa [11]
Randolph-Sheppard Act [12]
Text of the federal law that gives blind individuals priority for vending and cafeteria operations in federal facilities.
Chapter 216D of the Iowa Code [13]
Iowa law that gives blind individuals priority for vending and cafeterias operations in state facilities.
Iowa Department For The Blind (IDB) Business Enterprises Program - Policy And Procedure Manual (PDF) [14]
The B.E.P. reflects the philosophy and mission of the IDB by continuing to believe in the independence and capacity of blind people to be independent entrepreneurs in all aspects of the food service business.
For more information about Iowa BEP opportunities and getting started in our training program, contact:
Kathy Roat, Business Enterprises Program Administrator
(515) 499-1942 or
kathy.roat@blind.state.ia.us [15]
Iowa Department for the Blind
524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-2364
Phone: 515-281-1333, 800-362-2587 • Fax: 515-281-1263 •
E-Mail: contact@blind.state.ia.us
Links
[1] http://www.idbonline.org/employment/business-enterprises-program
[2] https://blind.iowa.gov/employment/BEP/getting-started-bep
[3] https://blind.iowa.gov/employment/BEP/iowa-vending-sites
[4] http://www.idbonline.org/obtaining-bep-food-services-0
[5] http://www.idbonline.org/bep-operators
[6] https://blind.iowa.gov/employment/services
[7] https://iowadeptblind.wufoo.com/forms/zvrywj80kfnxfj/
[8] http://www.idbonline.org/staff-listing
[9] https://youtu.be/WHzzbBQQ5h4
[10] http://www.iowablindhistory.org/blindhistory/advocacy-randolph-sheppard-act
[11] http://www.iowablindhistory.org/blindhistory/employment-randolph-sheppard-vending-stands-and-cafeterias
[12] https://blind.iowa.gov/administration/randolph-sheppard-act
[13] https://blind.iowa.gov/administration/Iowa-Code
[14] https://blind.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/file/BEP%20manual.pdf
[15] mailto:kathy.roat@blind.state.ia.us