Rashid Reyazuddin manages the gift shop/convenience store at the National Institutes of Health Conference Center in Bethesda. As an MBEPB intern there, Rashid used his past experience in retail to increase sales by changing physical layout, product mix, and operations. Now he is busy boosting sales at his own facility and customers are already expressing their approval.
The Maryland Business Enterprise Program for the Blind (MBEPB) provides opportunities for individuals who are legally blind to operate retail concession, gift or food services businesses in public facilities. It operates under the authority of the Randolph-Sheppard Act.
In fiscal year 2010, 60 licensed vendors operated 71 vending facilities, with annual sales in excess of $24,532,616. These facilities also produced over $816,677 in state sales taxes and employed more than 388 people, of which 43 were individuals with disabilities, including 4 visually impaired employees. The average vendor salary was $45,277.
The MBEPB is continually seeking qualified blind individuals who have the desire and drive to become small business entrepreneurs.
As a small business entrepreneur, licensed vendors manage their assigned facility similar to that of a franchise business. Licensed vendors are charged with the responsibility of maximizing the profitability of their business. The MBEPB staff provides support and guidance for each vendor, while helping to solve problems and act as a liaison to host agency property managers.
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