Thousands of people who are blind live independently as productive members of society. Competing on an equal basis with their sighted peers, they perform many jobs ranging from skilled labor to managerial positions. The Business Enterprises Program of the Minnesota State Services for the Blind develops self-employment business opportunities for legally blind vendors.

The self-employment opportunities consist of small businesses providing goods and services in public buildings and private industry. The businesses include lunchrooms, retail stores and vending machine operations. The majority of the businesses are vending machine operations. The size of a business may range from machines in one building to a route which would have machines at many different locations.

As with a similar business in the private sector, the blind vendor is responsible for the maintenance and filling of the machines, taxes, employees, travel, vehicle expenses if an automobile is used, and any other business related expenses. Blind vendors help pay for administration of the program and capital expenses through a set-aside fee from their profits. The program provides training, professional management direction and administrative support to the licensed legally blind vendors. An emphasis is placed on service to the consumer during training as well as after training. Two full-time technical people provide maintenance services and emergency repairs when needed. The blind vendor is encouraged to attend trade shows, in-house training services, and to take part in the management of the program.

For the blind vendor, the program provides an opportunity to learn to manage and operate one’s own independent business. This gives the blind vendor a chance to become self-supporting, to earn a living and to support a family. Above all, it grants a vendor the self-respect and dignity derived from being independent and self-sufficient.

For further information, call Stan Nichol at (800) 383-8155, 651-642-0462, or via e-mail at snichol@ssb.state.mn.us.