TAKE A LOOK AT US NOW 
Rest Area/Dublin 
Snack Bar/Atlanta Caf/Valdosta 
 
NEXT STEPS 
The post-training process includes: 
l Application for a vacant location. l A scheduled Behavioral Interview with two 
licensed blind vendors, a BEP counselor, and a moderator. l Minimum 6-month "working test" under Provisional License Status. During this time the Provisional Vendor and his/her BEP counselor adhere to a mutually signed agreement of responsibilities. A Provisional Vendor essentially learns every facet of small business operation from inventory and cash accounting to hiring/terminating helpers, from payroll and purchasing to customer service and maintenance. l Licensed Blind Vendor Status. 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
For more information or case staffing, please contact: 
Business Enterprise Program Administrative Office 5238 Royal Woods Parkway, Suite 200 Tucker, GA 30084-3079 Phone: 770-724-6590 FAX: 770-724-6598 
BEP Field Offices are located in Augusta, Macon, Savannah, and Valdosta. 
 
WE'VE COME A LONG WAY AT BEP 
 
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 
MICHAEL L. THURMOND, COMMISSIONER 
 
Blind Vendor Program/Atlanta 
 
Circa 1944 
 
 FACTS 
The Business Enterprise Program (BEP), one of five major programs that comprise the Georgia Department of Labor/Division of Rehabilitation Services, was authorized by the federal RandolphSheppard Act of 1936 and established in Georgia in 1944. 
The federal government recognizes the BEP program as the state-licensing agency (SLA), and gives priority to the SLA for operating businesses on federal property. 
BEP provides business management opportunities for eligible and qualified people to become licensed blind vendors so they may operate various small businesses throughout the state of Georgia. 
Sites include snack bars, cafes, cafeterias, food courts, gift and sundry shops, military dining facilities, and vending machine routes. 
FIGURES 
BEP currently operates over one hundred (100) small business sites throughout Georgia. Gross sales for FY 2002 neared $11.3 million, and generated in excess of $732,000 in sales tax revenue. 
The average BEP-licensed blind vendor's income surpasses the national average -- rising from $27,000 in FY 1999 to $34,200 in FY 2000, $37,900 in 2001 and reaching $44,000 in 2002. 
Licensed blind vendors also employ other people, so they impact the state's economic growth as well as participate in its workforce development. 
 
AS EASY AS ONE, TWO, THREE 
One / Initial Training Initial training focuses on preparation. Training resources are provided through such facilities as the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation (RWSIR), which offers a program specifically designed to prepare individuals for entry into the Business Enterprise Program, and to function successfully as a licensed vendor. 
VR Counselors must make the referrals to BEP, and ensure that vendor candidates meet the following minimum criteria: 
l Certified as legally blind by a physician skilled in diseases of the eye or by an optometrist: 
1. Not more than 20/200 central visual acuity in the better eye with corrective lenses; 
2. Or an equally disabling loss of vision, as evidenced by a limitation to the field of vision in the better eye to such a degree that its widest diameter subtends an angle of no greater than 20 degrees. 
l Minimum of 18 years of age. 
l Demonstrated mental ability at 6th grade reading and math levels. 
Two / On-The-Job Training The On-the-Job Training (OJT) phase focuses on actual involvement and hands-on learning experiences. During the 6-8 week OJT timeframe, the vendor candidate learns valuable skills directly from experienced licensed blind vendors who operate business enterprises. 
OJT sites are typically located in the metro Atlanta area. However, training sites outside the metro area may be utilized as well. 
 
The second phase demands the vendor candidate be considered work ready. He/she must also meet these minimum entry criteria: 
l High School Diploma or GED. 
l Demonstrated mental ability at 8th grade reading and math levels. 
l Demonstrated proficiency in the following functional skills: 
-- Independent mobility; -- Accurately identifying coins and making 
change; -- Capacity to work independently; -- Ability to communicate effectively 
l Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time, and to lift a minimum of 20 lbs. 
l Stable physical and mental health. 
Three / Classroom Training The final training phase, coordinated by the BEP Training Coordinator in a classroom environment, focuses on the following: 
l ServSafe Certification Training (nationally recognized food safety course). 
l Randolph-Sheppard Act (federal legislation authorizing the Business Enterprise Program). 
l Georgia Vending Stand Act, Business Enterprise Program Rules and Regulations, Policy and Procedures, and record-keeping skills. 
After successfully completing these three phases of training, the vendor candidate is eligible to apply to operate a vacant BEP location.