Business Enterprises of Texas - Program Overview

Business Enterprises of Texas serves job seekers and employers by providing employment opportunities to operate food service and vending machine locations on federal, state, and private properties for people who are blind and meet eligibility criteria.

Eligibility

Individuals may be eligible for Business Enterprises of Texas services if:

• Legally blind according to federal standards
• A U.S. citizen residing in 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

Additional requirements must be met for individuals to be referred to the BET program by TWC Vocational Rehabilitation staff.

The Texas Workforce Commission, as authorized in Texas Administrative Code Chapter 854, licenses blind persons to operate cafeteria or vending facilities on state, federal and other properties.

To support its operation, BET receives:

• Federal funds
• Program-generated funds derived from fees assessed against the net proceeds of the BET manager of operations and commissions

Authorizing laws, regulations and guidance include:

• Texas Administrative Code Chapter 854
• USC Title 20 Chapter 6A Section 107
• Title 34 Chapter III, Part 395
• Texas Labor Code, Chapter 355