Self Employment Opportunities Await

The Ohio Business Enterprise Program (BEP) enables Ohioans with disabilities to have careers in food service management. Today, BEP has more than 120 food service and vending enterprises in Ohio.

Through BEP's franchise-like oppotunities, people who are legally blind manage cafeterias, convenience stores, snack bars and vending machines in state, federal and county buildings. State universities, colleges and interstate highway rest areas also host BEP businesses.

A BEP manager is the sole proprietor of a business.  Like any other business, income is tied to profits as there are no wages or payments by a state, federal or county government. The average yearly personal income of a BEP manager is $41,000.

In Ohio, BEP entrepreneurs employ more than 141 people; many are people with disabilities.  BEP managers hire and supervise their own employees.