Business Enterprise Program

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) which was originally authorized by the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act in 1944, provides work opportunities to citizens of Georgia with the disability of blindness or legal blindness. There are fifteen BEP staff members including eleven counselors, two program assistants and two administrators. Staff are located in Atlanta, Decatur, Macon, Savannah, Swainsboro and Valdosta.

What we do

BEP establishes vending facilities, snack bars and food service establishments. There are currently 108 vending facilities in operation, providing work opportunities for 105 individuals. There are locations on federal, state, and private property. Total sales for FY 99 exceeded $9,500,000.

What we provide

BEP provides training in the operation of established locations to visually impaired individuals who are referred to our program by DRS vocational counselors. Once training is successfully completed and the individual has been chosen to operate an established location, he or she begins a six month trial period as a manager. Work performance is closely monitored, and each individual is afforded the opportunity to receive management training in such areas as customer service, merchandising and employee supervision. Through the Georgia Cooperative Services for the Blind, Inc. (BEP's nominee agency), we also provide financial accounting services. Additionally, BEP provides ongoing technical and administrative support to all who choose to stay in the program for the life of their business careers.

For more information, contact

Carl McRae, Director
Business Enterprise Program
5238 Royal Woods Parkway, Suite 200
Tucker, Georgia 30084-3079