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 trains legally blind individuals to operate independent small vending machine and/or convenience store businesses. The size of a business may range from vending machines in one building to vending machines and a convenience store in a building to a route which would have vending machines at many different locations.

As with any small business owner, 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 customer service and profitable business management. Two full-time technical people provide maintenance services and emergency repairs when needed. The blind vendor is encouraged to attend trade shows and 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.