<html>
<body>
<b>Please assist me by distributing to your networks, list-servs, and
contacts. The Blind Merchant Division is very excited to launch
this inovative new mentor program.<br>
<br>
Blind Entrepenurship Starts Today <br>
</b>In the U.S. today, more than 70% of blind people are either
unemployed or underemployed. The National Federation of the Blind
Merchants Division responds to this important issue by emphasizing
blind leaders in the business sector. This leadership program empowers
aspiring protiges to develop the job and blindness skills necessary to
reach their full career potential in self-employment. The Business
Leadership and Superior Training Conference for Entrepenurs (BLAST),
redefines blindness by demonstrating how the blind can live the life they
want!<br>
About the BEST Leadership Program<br>
The BEST Leadership Program addresses the many factors that contribute to
successful employment within the blind community. This program combines
vocational mentorship and leadership skills, with attendance to the
largest and most influential conference for blind business owners,
BLAST. This program creates an encouraging, individualized
experience for its participants. Between November 2014 and the BLAST
Conference of 2016, BEST Leadership Program protégés move through five
phases:<br>
1. Application: Interested
individuals apply online or over the phone.
<a href="https://nfbtx.org/content/best-leadership-program-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9-application-0">
Program Application</a> <br>
2. Selection: Applicants
participate in an interview with Richie Flores, Program Coordinator;
those selected for the program sign a participation contract.<br>
3. Mentorship Match: Program
staff will pair protiges with a successful blind business owner, to
encourage a long-standing relationship of guidance and support.<br>
4. BLAST: Business Leadership
and Superior Training Conference for Entrepenurs Curriculum: To prepare
for self-employment success , protégés fulfill 25 hours of training in
essential blindness and vocational leadership skills at the Lonestar
BLAST Conference-November18-20, 2014 in Austin, Texas. Participants must
arrange their own transportation to and from the conference and work with
their vocational team to provide the Program registration which includes
four meals. Program activity and room accommidations will be provided by
the BEST Leadership program for future Entrepenurs. (visit
<a href="http://www.blindmerchants.org/">www.blindmerchants.org</a> for
up to date information regarding the BLAST Conference)<br>
5. Ongoing Mentorship: Protégés
who complete their program obligations will learn of the opportunity to
attend the National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in
the coming year to reconnect with the Blind Merchants Division.<br>
BEST Leadership Program Protégés<br>
NFB is currently seeking 30 protégés to join this program's first-ever
cohort. Protégés will benefit from vocational and leadership skills
training, and build meaningful career-specific mentorships with the
working blind. Candidates must be over the age of eighteen , have
self-employment as a career goal, be deemed legally blind by a physician
or accredited agency, and able to fulfill the training and required
attendance to the BLAST Conference this November 2014.<br>
To apply, fill out the
<a href="https://nfbtx.org/content/best-leadership-program-prot%C3%A9g%C3%A9-application-0">
Program Application</a> at
<a href="http://www.nfbtx.org/youthprograms">
www.nfbtx.org/youthprograms</a> and confirm your submission by contacting
Richie Flores, Project Coordinator
(<a href="mailto:rflores@nfbtx.org">rflores@nfbtx.org</a>). If you would
like assistance completing your online application, call Richie at
512-784-1878.<br>
<br>
Check out our video highlighting success in the self-employment
sector!<br>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqKkg3yA19g">Blind Entrepenurs
Succeed Today</a>! <br>
The BEST Leadership Program advocates equal access to search and apply
for jobs through NFB Newsline; (888-882-1629. For more information visit:
<a href="http://www.nfb.org/">www.nfb.org</a>.<br>
<br>
All the Best,<br>
Richie Flores<br>
Vocational Enrichment Consultant<br>
<br>
<br>
</body>
</html>