Blind and Low Vision Services (BLVS)

Business Enterprise Program

The mission of the Montana Business Enterprise Program is to provide opportunities for blind individuals to achieve self-support through owning and operating a vending route or cafeteria on public property.

The Business Enterprise Program provides assistance and support to legally blind residents of Montana in securing and operating a vending business. Through the Randolph-Sheppard Act and the Montana Business Enterprise Law, blind vendors have access to vending opportunities on federal and state properties.

The Business Enterprise Program has vending routes operating in Missoula/Hamilton, Billings and Helena/Boulder/Deer Lodge. Future routes will be added in other Montana communities.

To qualify for the Business Enterprise Program an individual must be legally blind, a citizen of the United States and be participating in the vocational rehabilitation program. The individual must be proficient in several skill areas such as orientation & mobility, use of computers, labeling, taking notes, etc. prior to referral to the Business Enterprise program. If accepted into the program additional training related to self-employment and operating a vending business is required. The Blind and Low Vision Counselor can tell you more about eligibility and application to the Business Enterprise Program or you can contact Montana Business Enterprises, Inc.

The program also contracts with private vendors to place vending machines on some state properties through a bid process. If you wish to place vending machines on state owned or leased property and interstate rest areas, contact Your local BLVS office.