Business Enterprise Program

The mission of the Florida Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is to provide people who are legally blind with rewarding and profitable entrepreneurial ventures, broaden their economic opportunities, and invigorate all blind people to be self-supporting, while dispelling misconceptions about blind people by showcasing their abilities.

The Florida Business Enterprise (BEP) administers one of the largest vending and food service programs operated by people who are legally blind in the United States.  The Florida Business Enterprise Program provides entrepreneurial opportunities in the food service industry for eligible blind persons licensed in Florida under the Randolph-Sheppard Act. Job opportunities include: snack bar, cafeteria, micromarkets, highway vending machines, or non-highway vending.

Everything a visually impaired person needs to get started running their own food service facility is provided including training, facility, equipment, inventory, and the necessary funds to begin operations.  The BEP prides itself in allowing visually impaired entrepreneurs independence in their day-to-day operations, while at the same time providing continual support through professional business consultants and educational workshops.  

Florida broadened the federal Randolph Sheppard Act with its own version. Blind licensees, under the Little Randolph Sheppard Act (FS 413.051) are given the first opportunity to participate in the operation of vending stands on all state properties acquired after July 1, 1979, when such facilities are operated under the supervision of the Florida Division of Blind Services of the Department of Education.

If you are legally blind and a United States citizen, you might want to consider the Florida Business Enterprise Program as your career choice. Read How to Get a BEP Vendor License and find out how you can begin an exciting career as the manager of a vending or food services facility.

Important Notices

Reimbursements

There are two ways to submit the completed Reimbursement Request Packet:

1. E-mail – BEP Facility Operators are encouraged to participate in and use the E-mail Reimbursement Request System. Send the request packet to the e-mail address of BBE.Reimbursements@dbs.fldoe.org. In the e-mail’s Subject Line, include the Invoice Number to assist in quick referencing. In body of the e-mail, include the Invoice Number, the BEP Facility Operator’s name, and include any additional notes necessary for clarification to assist in processing the request when needed.
2. Ground Mail – Send the completed Reimbursement Request Packet to:
   Division of Blind Services
   Office of the Comptroller, DBS Fiscal Section
   Suite 924, Turlington Building
   325 West Gaines Street
   Tallahassee, FL 32399-04000

September Selection Cycle

Opportunities for the September Selection Cycle are now posted on the Business Opportunities page.

Upcoming CEU opportunities

Randolph-Sheppard Training

Mississippi State University's National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision (NRTC) offers educational modules covering important aspects of the Randolph-Sheppard program. While NRTC does not offer continuing education credits for these modules, CEUs are offered internally through the Business Enterprise Program. A list of BEP pre-approved NRTC courses for CEU credit can be found at https://dbs.fldoe.org/BEP/ceu.html.

BLAST on the Boardwalk

September 27-29, 2023 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.
Registration for the National Association of Blind Merchants’ (NABM) Blast on the Boardwalk is now open. The training is being held in conjunction with VISTAR’s Northeast Buying Show. The training is scheduled for September 28-30 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This training will feature a full day and a half of training specific to Randolph-Sheppard, plus attendees will be allowed to participate in the VISTAR show which will feature over 200 booths. Training will begin at 2:00 on the 27th with pre-conference seminars in the morning for those arriving the day before. The training will then continue Thursday.  

Important Notes:

• BEP will again pay the vendor’s registration fee for the Mini-Blast, however you must notify Alan Risk of your intent to attend no later than August 25, 2022.
• BEP Vendors that attend both the Mini-Blast and the Vistar Trade Show can earn up to 1.500 CEU credits.
• Remember, registration fees are non-refundable.  If BEP pays your registration fee and you do not attend, you will be required to reimburse BEP for the registration cost. 
• BEP will pay for Registration Fees ONLY.  Each attendee is responsible for all other expenses, including travel, lodging, meals, etc.
• BEP will only pay registration fees one time per vendor, per calendar year to attend national training conference associated with the Business Enterprise Program.
• BEP does not pay registration for spouses that attend with you.
• IMPORTANT: DO NOT PAY REGISTRATION FEE WHEN REGISTERING
• Be sure to notify Alan Risk once you’ve completed the registration form.  Registration fees will be paid by Purchase Order from the State of FL.

Registering is a 3 step process:  

1. You must register for NABM’s portion of the training by going to  https://barbbadge.wufoo.com/forms/blast-on-the-boardwalk-2023/ The registration fee is $100. 
2.  Attendance to the VISTAR show is free however, operators must register to attend at https://vistarneshow.com/buying-show-reservation/operator-registration/

• IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT WITH VISTAR, ENTER 12345678 FOR YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER
• You must register each person who will be going to the show with you. 

3.  To book your room go to: https://book.passkey.com/event/50579354/owner/49899473/home.

National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Trade Show

October 3-6, 2023 at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA
NABM has arranged special pricing for Randolph-Sheppard stakeholders.  When you go to register at www.nacsshow.com, enter the code NABMPNS and your price will be $295 for the 3 days.  This is half the normal price.  

Important Notes:

• BEP Vendors may file for reimbursement for the $295 registration fee afterwards.
• BEP Vendors that attend this event can earn up to 0.500 CEU credits per day, up to a maximum of 1.500 credits.
• BEP will pay for Registration Fees ONLY.  Each attendee is responsible for all other expenses, including travel, lodging, meals, etc.
• BEP will only pay registration fees one time per vendor, per calendar year to attend national training conference associated with the Business Enterprise Program.
• BEP does not pay registration for spouses that attend with you.
• Be sure to notify Alan Risk afterwards to receive CEU credit.