Business Enterprise Program

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) helps prepare qualified individuals to become self-employed vending or food service facility operators in federal, state, or municipal locations.

Referral and Eligibility

In general, candidates for the Business Enterprise Program must:

• Be a Vocational Rehabilitation consumer with SCCB
• Be referred to the BEP by a VR counselor
• Have documentation of legal blindness
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Be present and available to work in South Carolina

You must also have basic math, verbal, and reading and written communication skills, as well as orientation, mobility, and home management skills. All candidates/applicants for BEP must undergo a background check by the State Law Enforcement Division.

Training

Consumers in the Business Enterprise Program must complete a 16-week training program, which includes two phases.

• The first eight weeks consists of classroom training, which must be successfully completed before you may be licensed. During this time, you will study the rules and regulations of the program, financial management, marketing, merchandising, and management skills.
• The second eight weeks includes on-the-job training. You will have the opportunity to work with an experienced group of licensed vendors who will teach you to operate your own business, allowing you to practice and polish the skills you learned in class. Before completion of the training, consumers will complete and finalize a formal business plan.