EO Equals

Did you know? The most significant factor in whether a small business owner considers employee ownership is not the business itself but their financial & legal advisors. Many advisors aren’t against EO but don’t know enough about it. That’s why we’re working to equip CPAs, business lawyers, and financial planners with clear, practical resources on how EO fits into succession planning. If you’re an advisor, we want to hear from you: What questions do you have about EO? Drop them in the comments! Tag a financial advisor in your network who could benefit from this conversation.

?? How Cities Are Building Solidarity Economies Across the U.S., cities are embracing solidarity economies—models that prioritize cooperation, mutual aid, and worker ownership over extractive capitalism. This recent piece from Shareable highlights innovative urban policies and grassroots movements that are reshaping local economies. Cooperative models like worker co-ops, community land trusts, and public banking initiatives are proving that a just economy is not only possible—it’s already happening. ?? Read more: https://hubs.li/Q03bzZHv0 #SolidarityEconomy #WorkerCoops #EconomicDemocracy #CommunityWealth #CooperativeEconomy

The NCEO is thrilled to announce the agenda for our summer edition of Is an ESOP Right for You? in San Diego! Considering employee ownership for your business transition? Employee ownership experts will cover the all the basics, including what employee ownership is, how to determine stock value, and what fiduciary responsibilities are involved. You'll have the opportunity to hear stories from other employee-owned companies and enjoy an evening of networking with business owners on a journey similar to yours. Make your summer plans now—join us in California for coastline views and business empowerment through employee ownership. https://ow.ly/xREa50Vhkqn

When Intellitronix transitioned to employee ownership, it didn’t just secure the company’s future; the company became stronger. Intellitronix ensured that the people who helped build the company would also shape its future by choosing employee ownership. Now, Intellitronix is an employee-owned business benefiting from higher employee retention, increased performance & productivity, and a culture of shared success & long-term growth. As Cheryl Dodich, Director of Finance and Accounting, put it: “The major thing is that you’re able to contribute to the growth and success of the company. The gift at the end is that you get some of the profits, too. When you own part of the business, it feels different. We’re all working together for a common goal.” EO isn’t just about succession planning. It’s about building a more sustainable, engaged, high-performing business. Explore how EO impacts business success at https://lnkd.in/gYMK2fhM. #EmployeeOwnership #SmallBusinessSuccess #BusinessSuccession #ESOP #FutureOfWork #EOBusiness

Business owners, let’s talk succession planning. What’s the biggest worry keeping you awake at night when you think about transitioning out of your business? A) Finding the right buyer B) Making sure employees are taken care of C) Keeping the business local D) Financial security after selling Drop your answer in the comments, and let’s discuss. (Bonus: We’ll share insights from real business owners who’ve navigated these challenges!) Join the conversation in the comments below!

?? Hiring & retention are harder than ever—but there’s a solution! ?? What if your employees weren’t just workers, but owners? Companies with employee ownership (EO) models see higher retention, stronger engagement, and better recruitment results. Join us for a free webinar where we’ll cover: ? The biggest hiring & retention challenges today ? How EO makes businesses more attractive to job seekers ? A real-world success story from companies using EO ?? [Tuesday, 4/22 at 2 pm ET] | ?? Register now: https://lnkd.in/gN34_VAf #Hiring #TalentRetention #EmployeeOwnership #Webinar

MYTH: “Employee ownership is way too complicated for small businesses.” REALITY: EO transitions can be structured step-by-step, with guidance and a clear plan. Many small business owners find that EO simplifies succession planning rather than making it more challenging. Curious about what an EO transition looks like? Here’s a five-minute guide that breaks it down. Download our EO Workbook on our resource page at https://lnkd.in/gkbkjTW2.

Meet Rick. He helped build Optimax Systems, Inc. from the ground up, turning it into an industry leader in precision optics. But when it came time to step back, he had no idea what came next. Selling to a competitor felt wrong. Closing his doors wasn’t an option. That’s when he discovered employee ownership. Today, Optimax is a 100% employee-owned company, and its workers don’t just contribute to its success. They share in it. The transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) gave employees a real stake in the company’s future. Thinking about what happens next for your business? You don’t have to sell to a stranger. You can pass it on to the people who helped build it. Read more about Rick’s EO journey & explore if EO could work for your business at https://lnkd.in/gUasAV-w. #EmployeeOwnership #SmallBusinessSuccess #BusinessSuccession #ESOP #FutureOfWork #EOBusiness

Can worker cooperatives help rebuild trust in democracy? ??? In The Philadelphia Citizen a powerful piece explores how worker co-ops can strengthen economic democracy, distribute wealth more equitably, and give workers real power over their livelihoods. At The ICA Group, we’ve seen how employee ownership creates shared prosperity, particularly for communities historically excluded from wealth-building opportunities. Philadelphia Works, Inc. Worker co-ops aren’t just about better businesses — they’re about redefining ownership and power. ?? Read the full piece: https://hubs.li/Q038QC3w0 #WorkerCoops #EconomicDemocracy #EmployeeOwnership #CommunityWealth #DemocraticEconomy #CooperativeOwnership

For the first time, the NCEO is hosting a bilingual Community Conversation designed for front-line workers like you! Cecelia Garcia from Blue Ridge Associates will explain what ESOPs are, share real-world examples, and provide practical strategies to help you better understand the benefits of being an employee-owner in your company. This engaging webinar will help you learn how your ESOP works, what it means to be an employee-owner, and how you contribute to the success of your company. Register today and discover how your ESOP benefits you and your family! https://lnkd.in/gUR9xetq #Webinar #EmployeeOwnership