Front entrance of the Snack Bar which is located in the Sloppy Floyd Building.

Snack Bar

The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, through the Business Enterprise Program, operates the Snack Bar in the James H. "Sloppy" building. 

Quick Links

The federal and state statutes governing this program provide a "priority" for blind vendors to operate food service facilities in federal and government buildings. County and city buildings are not included in this priority, but many county and city governments collaborate with the Business Enterprises Program for their food service facilities to be operated by vendors in the program.

Business Enterprise Training Program

GVRA’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) creates opportunities for qualified GVRA consumers, who are legally blind, to become independent business owners in the food service industry. The program provides classroom and operational skills training with an emphasis in food service management, quality customer service, menu planning, health and safety, and merchandising. The program offers participants the opportunity to achieve a dependable income, and benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, and a sound retirement. 

From snack bars and vending machines to full food service operations, the BEP training program allows blind and low-vision individuals a path to operate a quality, on-site facility run by trained professionals. BEP facilities are managed by licensed blind vendors and overseen by qualified Business Enterprise Consultants working for GVRA.  

Services or Business Opportunities include the operation of: 

  1. Snack bars,  
  2. Cafeterias,  
  3. Coffee bars,  
  4. Food courts,  
  5. Gift and Sundry shops, 
  6. Micro markets, 
  7. Laundry operations,  
  8. Military dining facilities,  
  9. Vending routes,  
  10. Interstate rest areas and welcome centers. 
Stephen

Meet Stephen Thomas

Meet Stephen Thomas, a licensed vendor in the GVRA's Business Enterprise Program. He currently managed the snack bar at the James H. "Sloppy" building. 

BEP Admissions and Requirements

Below, is the information on eligibility, key benefits, and application deadlines for individuals with disabilities interested in the Business Enterprise Program. 

Eligibility
  • Candidates for the Business Enterprises Program must be legally blind, a United States citizen and a customer of GVRA’s VR program
  • Minimum 18 Years of Age
  • Demonstrated 12th Grade Math and Reading Levels
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Successful completion of physiological and vocational rehabilitations, as well as a criminal background check with no confirmed felonies; and TB testing with confirmed negative results 
     
Key Benefits

Participating in BET Training provides valuable skills and knowledge to help you succeed in business operations. This training will help you:

  • Develop the ability to work independently or as part of a team while demonstrating leadership and teamwork.
  • Enhance organizational skills, punctuality, stress management, and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strengthen problem-solving skills and proper equipment usage.
  • Learn effective inventory management, record-keeping, and financial management.
  • Improve communication skills for professional interactions.
  • Deliver excellent customer service and handle customer concerns effectively.
  • Gain knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
  • Understand the process of hiring, training, and managing employees in compliance with labor laws.

By completing BET Training, you will be better equipped to operate a successful business while maintaining high standards of professionalism and efficiency.

Key Dates Deadlines
TermApplication DeadlineMove In Date Mandatory In-Person Training
Summer 20253/31/20256/2/20256/10/2025-6/13/2025
Fall 20256/30/20259/2/20259/9/2025-9/12/2025
Spring 202611/30/20252/2/20262/10/2026-2/13/2026
Duration

The BEP Training Program is designed to be completed in approximately 26 weeks, structured as follows:

  • Weeks 1-2: Orientation and Mobility Training to help participants acclimate to the Cave Springs Campus.
  • Weeks 3-18: Training at the Chicago Lighthouse, including the completion of the ServSafe certification.
  • Weeks 19-26: In-person, on-the-job training alongside a seasoned Blind Vendor for hands-on experience in business operations.

This structured approach ensures that participants gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience to successfully manage and operate a business within the BEP program.

How to Apply
  1. Complete GVRA Referral to get connected with a local office: https://referral.gvs.ga.gov/prescreening 
  2. Applicants will submit their applications via their assigned Counselor. 
  3. Qualified candidates may be selected for an interview with the Business Enterprise Program.
Policies and Procedures
Rules and Regulations
Board Meetings
Quarterly Training and Upcoming Conferences

Contact

Business Enterprise Program Management

[email protected]
Primary
(844) 367-4872