Business
Enterprise Program
WHAT
IS “THE BEP”?
Since
1937, the New Jersey Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired’s
Business Enterprise Program (BEP) has worked to help men and women
who are legally blind become independent business operators and
entrepreneurs.
The
BEP, established by the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936, makes
it possible for the operators to demonstrate that being blind does
not mean that someone is unable to earn a living.
BEP operators must be 18 and legally blind (20/200 or worse with
best corrected vision and certain field of vision limitations).
Training classes are conducted at the Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation
Center in New Brunswick, followed by on-the-job training at BEP
locations throughout the state.
Each
day, thousands of customers are competently served at the 60 BEP
facilities currently open in New Jersey. These business operations
include vending machine locations, newspaper stands, snack bars
and full service cafeterias that are all managed by individuals
who are legally blind.
Building
Partnerships and Creating Opportunities
The
Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired is seeking to form
Partnerships for Prosperity in communities all over New Jersey to
expand the Business Enterprise Program by establishing new locations
where trained and licensed operators will have the opportunity to
become gainfully employed.
Having
a BEP location in your facility is beneficial to all:
·
Customers enjoy convenience and good service at reasonable prices;
·
Individuals who are blind are able to be self-sufficient, tax paying
entrepreneurs by managing their own business; and
·
Communities receive important messages on valuing diversity and
the abilities of people once thought of as handicapped.
INDEPENDENCE:
Believe & Achieve
The
Business Enterprise Program is a true example of the Commission
for the Blind & Visually Impaired’s commitment to create
and expand employment opportunities for people living in New Jersey
who are blind.
You
are invited to observe this very successful program in action. We
will arrange for a visit to any of our facilities located all over
the state.
For
further information, please call:
Phone
|
# |
(609)
584-4905 |
Fax
|
# |
(609) 584-4876 |
Toll
Free |
# |
877-685-8878 |
|