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Getting Started in BEP
The Iowa Business Enterprises Program has vending and cafeteria operations throughout the state. These facilities are operated by persons Iowans who are blind and have completed the training requirements for licensure in the state of Iowa.
If you are interested in becoming involved with the BEP, here is some helpful information for you.
The manager of a BEP site is responsible for all aspects of the business that they run. Managers are expected to:
- hire, fire, and train their own employees
- plan their menus
- select products for ordering
- choose merchandise
- market their business
- maintain the equipment and the business site including cleaning and repairs
BEP managers are also responsible for all financial aspects of the business including paying bills, payroll, taxes and submitting reports. Managers are given the opportunity to independently run a vending or cafeteria operation and keep 100% of the profits they earn from their labor.
Training
BEP management training involves a combination of on the job training and independant study. The on the job training component allows an individual to learn about the day to day operations of cafeteria and vending locations. They are allowed to fully participate in the operation of these facilities. While at a vending site, trainees will learn to:
- clean, load and repair vending machines
- order stock
- keep financial records
- deal with product vendors
In a cafeteria setting, trainees will learn to:
- prepare, cook and serve food
- wash dishes
- plan menus
- operate a cash register
- order product
- deal with product vendors
- prepare financial records.
The on the job training is done with a variety of current facility operators to expose the trainee to many different management styles and to help them to distill their own management style. There is no set amount of time that an individual is required to be in training before they earn a license. Licenses are awarded when an individual has passed all of the written exams and has demonstrated minimum skill levels in all areas of training.
