Employee ownership comes in several forms: employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts.

  • Learn the basics from the National Center for Employee Ownership (nceo.org) and Project Equity, which explain the models and when each fits.
  • If you own a business, talk to an advisor who specializes in employee ownership before deciding how to sell.
  • Check for state centers: several states have employee ownership centers that offer free guidance.
  • Share local success stories so owners nearing retirement know it’s an option.