Six Guides To Help You Turn Interest to Action
Employee ownership (EO) is one of the most effective strategies available to local governments for keeping businesses rooted in place, creating quality jobs, and expanding pathways to economic mobility. As communities across the country increasingly see the impacts of the Silver Tsunami on labor markets and small business ecosystems, a growing number of cities and counties are taking action to create more resilient, equitable local economies through EO.
Building on our EO Policy Database and deep experience partnering with local leaders to embed EO in regional small business ecosystems, Project Equity has developed a local policy toolkit featuring six guides designed to help local leaders move from interest to action. Each guide focuses on a specific EO policy tool, defining what it is, how localities have put it to work, and practical recommendations for implementation to avoid common pitfalls and maximize impact.
Who They’re For
Local elected officials and staff exploring how EO fits their economic development, small business, and equity goals
Advocates and community organizations building the case for local EO policy
Economic development partners and service providers looking to integrate EO into existing programs
What They Cover
- Raising Awareness and Developing an EO Business Pipeline: Educate stakeholders and connect business owners to EO as a succession and growth strategy.
- Strengthening Local EO Technical Assistance Capacity: Expand access to the expert support that new and existing EO businesses rely on.
- Offsetting EO Technical Assistance Costs: Lower the cost barrier for businesses exploring or completing a transition to EO.
- Aligning Capital Programs with EO Ownership Structures: Close the capital gap for EO businesses by aligning small business financing programs with EO models.
- Launching a Local EO Initiative: Create a visible, durable platform to coordinate and sustain local EO efforts.
- Leveraging Procurement to Support EO Businesses: Harness public spending to grow existing EO businesses and encourage new transitions.
How To Use Them
Use these guides to plan, design, and implement effective EO-friendly policies in your community. Each guide stands on its own, but the tools work best when layered together to create a comprehensive support system for new and existing employee-owned companies.
Most communities begin by building awareness and developing a pipeline of interested businesses, then layer in financing programs and procurement tools as local demand grows. Start with the tool that matches where your community is today, and explore opportunities to build on that foundation over time.
Project Equity offers tailored guidance for local leaders interested in leveraging policy to advance EO, including educational workshops, communications materials, pipeline development support, and research and data.
For more information on how we can help activate EO in your community, reach out to Perlita Muiruri.
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