Employee ownership policy database
Project Equity has created the most comprehensive database of employee ownership (EO) policies in the U.S. to date, encompassing local-, state- and federal-level EO policy measures and programmatic initiatives. We developed this tool to aid researchers, policymakers, advocates and practitioners seeking to learn about, advocate for or benefit from EO policies.
How to use the database
- Toggle between local, state, and federal levels of policy by clicking on the tabs in the Tableau visualization below.
- Explore the database by using the filter dropdowns, keyword search, or by clicking on elements of the maps and timelines.
- See details about individual policies and find links to sources and further reading by hovering over a database entry and clicking the policy name.
- Make the database easier to view by clicking on the “see this in full screen” icon at the bottom of the Tableau.
Contact Sarah McBroom ([email protected]) to explore ways to leverage this tool to advance EO in your state or locality. To add to or edit this database, contact Tyler Rivera ([email protected]).
Note that the interactive visualization will not show on a mobile device. Please use a larger device to interact.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of policies does this database cover?
This database encompasses local-, state-, and federal-level policies related to EO in the U.S., including passed, proposed, and repealed legislation, executive orders, and funding outlays. We have specifically catalogued policies aimed at fostering the most common models of broad-based EO: Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). At the local level, where support for EO often extends beyond codified policy measures, we have also included municipal programs, allocations of staff or budgetary resources, rule changes, and other tangible measures in support of EO businesses.
What types of policies fall within each of the policy categories?
We have organized these policies using key categories drawn from our policy framework. (Note that these categories are not exclusive: many bills advance EO using policies from multiple categories.)
- Enabling environment: policies that establish a more inclusive legal framework enabling employee-owned businesses of all types to form and operate effectively.
- Awareness raising: policies aimed at educating business owners, their advisors, employees, lenders and others about succession planning and EO options.
- Affordable technical assistance (TA): policies focused on subsidizing employee ownership feasibility assessments and TA for worker-owners.
- Accessible capital: policies designed to increase capital availability and reduce barriers to financing EO.
- Incentives for employee-owned businesses (EOBs): policies that establish tax credits, exemptions, procurement supports or other financial incentives for EOBs.
- Economic development programs: policies that embed education, TA and capital access for EO into government economic development programs.
How was this database created?
This database was created by Project Equity as part of a collaborative research project in partnership with Morehouse College and the University of California, Riverside. To ensure our database is comprehensive and accurate, we leveraged existing resources from leading organizations and research centers focused on EO, including the Center for Community-Based Enterprise, the Democracy at Work Institute, the National Center for Employee Ownership and the UW Center for Cooperatives, which we complemented with independent research and interviews of our own.
Where can I go to learn more?
To learn more about a specific policy, click on the policy name in the table. The “Visit page” links to the legislative page and the “Visit source” links to additional information on that policy. The local database also features further resources at the locality-level. Clicking on a state or locality on the map will open the “additional resources” panel with links to sources and information.
To learn more about EO policy in general, we encourage you to visit Project Equity’s Public Policy page to explore our efforts to advance supportive EO policy measures at the local, state and federal levels.
More information can also be found at the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC), National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) and National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA).
