Over half of all U.S. business owners are 55 or older, and the looming “Silver Tsunami” of retirements is expected to impact nearly 2.9 million businesses. Yet selling a business is no easy feat—only 20% find a buyer, and less than 30% transition to the next generation. That leaves over half of these businesses at risk of closure. Employee ownership offers a compelling alternative—one that checks key boxes for exiting owners, including liquidity, legacy, and fair valuation, while preserving local jobs and community-rooted businesses. While the Silver Tsunami presents real risks to business continuity, it also creates opportunity. This session will equip exit planners and business advisors with insights into employee ownership as a practical, profitable succession strategy—and a way to stand out in a competitive advisory landscape.

Learning 0bjectives:

• Understand why employee ownership is especially timely in today’s business landscape
• Learn how to incorporate employee ownership into your advisory practice
• Explore the key steps involved in an employee ownership transition and how to identify if a company is a fit for a transition
• Get familiar with the three primary models of broad-based employee ownership: ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts
• Identify next steps and resources for deepening your knowledge or supporting client transitions