The Business Enterprises of Texas (BET) was created through federal legislation, the Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936, which was enacted to "provide blind persons with remunerative employment, enlarging the economic opportunities of the blind, and stimulating the blind to greater efforts in striving to make themselves self-supporting." BET administers one of the largest vending and food service programs operated by people who are legally blind in the United States under the Randolph-Sheppard Act. BET provides individuals with visual impairment self-employment opportunities throughout the State of Texas.
Customers
BET provides training and entrepreneurial employment opportunities for legally blind individuals in food service and vending operations within Texas. BET training includes operational skills training with an emphasis in food service and vending management, quality customer service, menu planning, cost control, and merchandising. BET opportunities include the operation of cafeterias, convenience stores, snack bars, micro markets and vending machines on state and federal properties, interstate highway rest areas, post offices and state prisons.
What We Do
Disability Services
Education & Training
Employment Services
Services
Business Enterprises of Texas offers Texans who are blind or visually impaired profitable and fulfilling entrepreneurial...
Business Enterprises of Texas (BET) manages third-party contracts for vending services. BET has divided up the state into multiple...
The Texas Business Enterprises Committee of Managers (Committee) follows a federal law called the Randolph-Sheppard Act, changed...
Eligibility
Candidates for BET Training must be legally blind by federal standards, a United States citizen, and a customer of TWC/VR. Candidates must be self-motivated, have strong mobility and independent living skills, organizational skills, excellent customer service skills, and the physical and emotional stamina to meet the tough demands of operating a business as a sole proprietor.
You may be eligible for Business Enterprises of Texas (BET) services if you are:
- Legally blind according to federal standards
- A U.S. citizen
- Physically present in the State of Texas
- Age 18 or older
- A high school graduate or holder of a GED
- In good general health and have current eye and physical examination records
- Successfully complete BET training and licensing requirements.
To qualify, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Vocational Rehabilitation staff must refer you to the BET program. Individuals who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for the program.
Other Requirements
In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, you must be able to fulfill the following requirements:
- Stand for 10 hours or more, daily
- Bend, stoop and twist without injury to self or others
- Lift 35 pounds regularly, and up to 50 pounds upon occasions
- Work approximately 40-hours per week
- Successfully complete all BET assessment and training requirements
- Have and know how to use all devices and assistive technologies required for BET training and operation of an assigned facility, including low vision aids, talking calculator with earpiece, accessible thermometer, note taking equipment and a computer
- Have proper clothing, business casual, for the classroom and work sites
Training & Business Management Curriculum
BET Candidates will receive training and instruction in BET operations, procedures, and management skills:
- Business Best Practices, Instruction at College-Level
- BET Standard Accounting Procedures and Forms
- Cost Control Management
- Customer Service Principles
- On-Site-Training (OST) Training at A BET Facility, Provided by a successful licensed BET Manager
- Skills Training, Provided by A BET Training Specialist
Benefits of BET Training
Training helps you:
- Learn to work alone or in a team, show leadership and teamwork
- Be organized, come to work on time, handle stress, and meet deadlines
- Solve problems and use equipment properly
- Manage inventory purchases, maintain records, and money management
- Sufficient communication skills
- Improve customer service
- Handle food safely
- Hire, train, and manage employees according to labor laws
Annual Customer Service and Cost Analysis Report
Texas Workforce Commission provides an annual customer service and cost analysis report.
- 2024 Business Enterprises of Texas Customer Satisfaction Survey and Cost Analysis Report
- 2023 Business Enterprises of Texas Customer Satisfaction Survey and Cost Analysis Report
- 2022 Business Enterprises of Texas Customer Satisfaction Survey and Cost Analysis Report
- 2021 Business Enterprises of Texas Customer Satisfaction Survey and Cost Analysis Report