The purpose of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) of the (Michigan) Bureau of Services for Blind Persons is to provide individuals who are blind and visually impaired with opportunities for employment, to increase the economic opportunities available to people who are blind and visually impaired, and to increase awareness and encourage the pursuit of these opportunities.
These opportunities are provided through the establishment of businesses managed by a blind person. The role of the BEP is to guide and assist the operator in achieving upward mobility.
In 1936, Congress enacted the Randolph-Sheppard Act, thus providing opportunities for blind people to run small businesses on federal properties.
In Michigan, the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is operated under authority of two separate Acts and their promulgated rules.
This is a list of BEP operators by region and include operators name, contact information and the type of site they are operating. Use this list to meet your office and catering needs.
The Elected Operators Committee (EOC) meets a minimum of four (4) times a year. Committee actions may affect the administration of the program.
The proceedings of the committee's meetings are summarized in meeting minutes. Approved minutes of the meetings are archived here.
