Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
What is the Business Enterprise Program (BEP)?
The Washington State Business Enterprise Program (BEP) provides opportunities for qualified legally-blind adults to operate successful food service businesses in government buildings.
Types of food service businesses include:
- Snack/Gift Shops
- Espresso Stands
- Delis
- Cafeterias
The program provides these opportunities through the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act.
Who is eligible for BEP?
To be eligible for the BEP Training Program, a candidate must:
- Be a legally-blind US Citizen
- Have an aptitude for business management
- Receive a referral from a Department of Services for the Blind (DSB) counselor
- Have practical skills and meet legal criteria for operating a business supported by federal law
What can BEP do for me?
If you qualify and have a desire to become an entrepreneur in the food service industry, we can provide:
- Required training to become a BEP licensee for operating and managing a food-service facility.
- The essential pieces of food service equipment and small wares for each BEP facility.
- Assistance to the new operator in opening up the facility.
- Ongoing management assistance and guidance.
What does it mean to become a BEP licensee?
A licensee of the program can apply for the program’s facilities as they become available. A selection panel decides to award a licensee out of the applicants for that opportunity.
Once a licensee receives the awarded location, he/she, as a small business entrepreneur, becomes solely responsible for the success of the business.
For more information, contact BEP Manager, Jeanne Gallo, at (360)725-3844 or jeanne.gallo@dsb.wa.gov.