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Business Enterprise Program

Through the federally enacted Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936 and Oklahoma State Statute Title 7, DRS' Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired operates the Business Enterprise Program. BEP provides employment opportunities for people who are legally blind by assisting them in becoming Licensed Managers and establishing food service operations across the state.

These operations may consist of vending machine routes, cafeterias, or a variety of different types of snack bars. To accomplish this, BEP aids entrepreneurs by providing extensive business training, licensing business owners, locating and equipping locations, securing initial inventory and offering on-going business consultation services. BEP entrepreneurs are educated in the areas of food safety, hospitality, marketing and business management. A portion of each business’ proceeds is paid to DRS to help support the program.

How to Apply

Step 1: Locate an office nearest you, use this link to find the state office and contact information that serves your area.

Step 2: Call for an appointment

Step 3: Fill out an application

Step 4: Gather as much medical information as you can

Step 5: Show up for the appointment to complete the application

OR

You may complete an online self-referral, and someone from DRS will contact you to initiate the application process.

 

Keys to Success

  • Keep in contact with your counselor
  • Let him or her know if you move or change phone numbers
  • Complete any assignments

Elected Committee of Licensed Managers Board Meeting Videos

Board Meeting Archives

Eligibility

A person may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation from SBVI if he or she has blindness or a significant visual impairment that is a substantial barrier to employment and requires our services to prepare for, obtain, keep or return to work.

What to bring to expedite the application process

A person may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation from SBVI if he or she has blindness or a significant visual impairment that is a substantial barrier to employment and requires our services to prepare for, obtain, keep or return to work.


Descriptive Audio:

Video: One hand transfers dollar bills to another hand. A smiling business owner who is legally blind speaks to customers waiting in line at a snack bar. Fingers type quickly on cash register keys. A woman gives change to a customer at the snack bar counter. A hand slides a credit card through a machine. The business owner stocks candy and chips in a vending machine. He trains the woman to operate a machine in the snack bar kitchen.

Announcer: Oklahoma’s Business Enterprise Program has helped hundreds of blind business owners operate excellent food service businesses.

Video: Several black and white historic photos are shown. An African-American man stands at a snack bar counter with items behind him on shelves. A sign in the background says, “Supervised by Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind Operator H. B. Berry.” Another photo shows a man and woman stand behind a counter with a cash register and items for sale. The last photo is a sign that says “OKLA. COMMISSION for the BLIND Provides EMPLOYMENT for the SIGHTLESS.”

Announcer: Good jobs. New taxpayers. Serving the public in government buildings for eighty years.

Video: The business owner man walks outside. He and a woman talk and laugh behind the snack bar counter. He signs a check. The man speaks on camera outside.

Matt Jones: I’m just really glad to be working again and providing for my family. For me, the Business Enterprise Program is not just a job. It’s my life.

Announcer: Visual Services and Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. 405-523-4800.