The Greater Washington Employee Ownership Summit

An executive forum on small business, economic development & community wealth building

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
National Union Building | 918 F St NW, Washington, DC
RSVP by June 10th, 2026

Unlock the power of employee ownership to transform the Greater Washington region

You are cordially invited to an invite-only, cross-sector gathering of leaders and decision-makers shaping the future of the Greater Washington economy. This convening brings together elected officials and civil servants, lenders, procurement and purchasing professionals, and foundation leaders to align on strategies for a more resilient and inclusive region.

The Greater Washington Employee Ownership Summit is more than an event; it is a curated forum for those at the intersection of capital, policy, workforce, and business growth. As our region faces a critical wave of business and employment challenges, we are convening the “architects” of our local economy to explore how employee ownership (EO) can drive long-term sustainability, engagement, and community wealth. This forum builds on the local regional EO initiative that has been gaining momentum over the past year.

Why join us?

Employee ownership is more than just a business model. It is a proven, market-driven strategy that transforms jobs into pathways for wealth and stability. By rooting for-profit enterprises in the hands of the workers who power them, we create a more resilient and inclusive economy from the ground up.

The impact is clear. Employee owners see 33% higher median wages and nearly double the household net worth of their peers. For the businesses themselves, this ownership stake translates to an 8.5% boost in profit margins and significantly longer job retention. Whether it’s a high-growth firm or a local bakery, front-line workers are experiencing life-changing profit sharing and a seat at the table.

Most importantly, employee ownership is a powerful tool for closing the racial wealth gap. If we reached just 30% employee ownership across the country, median wealth for Black households would quadruple. This isn’t just about better business—it’s about building an economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Through high-level peer exchange and curated discussions, you will gain a deep understanding of the EO landscape in today’s evolving economy. We will move beyond theory to discuss the practical strategies required to start, convert, and scale ownership-driven enterprises across the Greater Washington region and help our area become a leading EO region in the country.

What to expect: key outcomes

Strategic integration: Identify exact entry points to weave employee ownership into your existing economic development, workforce, small business, supply chain diversity, and social services goals.
The owner’s perspective: Hear directly from selling owners and worker-owners about the financial and operational realities of successful EO launches, transitions, and growth.
Regional collaboration: Contribute to a unified, regional roadmap designed to anchor businesses locally and build wealth for the workers who sustain them.

Secure your seat

Space is limited for this leadership cohort. Please confirm your participation by June 10th to ensure your place in these critical regional conversations.