Jobs, Training & Career · Surprise rank #291
New York Reserves Public-Building Vending Businesses for Blind Entrepreneurs
NY Commission for the Blind Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
Who
New York State residents age 18 or older who are U.S. citizens, legally blind and eligible for NYSCB services.
What to do
Start here: If you already receive NYSCB services, ask your vocational-rehabilitation counselor about the Business Enterprise Program. Otherwise contact NYSCB at 1-866-871-3000 and ask about eligibility and BEP intake.
Eligibility: You generally must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18, legally blind and a New York State resident, and meet NYSCB/BEP program requirements.
What you get
The Business Enterprise Program trains eligible NYSCB participants to manage food-service businesses, vending routes, newsstands and similar operations, including opportunities connected with public facilities.
Benefit: Training and support to prepare for operating a food-service or vending business through NYSCB, with access to BEP vendor opportunities for qualified participants.
Possible value: Potential self-employment and business income rather than a fixed cash grant. Earnings and available business locations vary.
Good to know
Important: This is not an automatic right to a vending location. You must meet BEP eligibility requirements and complete the program process; business opportunities depend on available facilities and placement.
Availability: Active New York State Commission for the Blind program.
Why people miss it: It is a specialized self-employment path inside the state blind-services system, so many eligible people never encounter it in ordinary job searches.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026