Employee ownership (EO) is a powerful strategy to build more resilient local communities. Yet, unlocking the power of EO requires a fully activated and well-connected network of organizations and resources working together to build awareness.
How to use this toolkit
Awareness is our greatest challenge when it comes to retaining businesses and creating a more resilient local economy through employee ownership. We hope you will use this toolkit to educate your audience about employee ownership.
This toolkit offers sample messaging you can use to get the word out about employee ownership using your platform—take the messages as they are or edit them and make them your own! 😊
An easy way to share
In addition to this toolkit, an easy way to share the latest information on employee ownership is to follow Project Equity and share our posts.
Sample newsletter blurb, op-ed or press release
As the Silver Tsunami hits Montgomery County, could employee ownership be an opportunity for economic resilience?
According to a study by Project Equity, 56% of the privately-held businesses in Montgomery County are owned by baby boomers nearing retirement. This Silver Tsunami represents over 11,000 local businesses, accounting for $31 billion in revenue and over 141,000 local jobs. Without an exit plan, these local businesses and jobs are at risk. Additionally, the recruitment and retention of employees have become more challenging for business owners, slowing their recovery and growth.
Earlier this month, [insert your organization here] met with leaders from across Montgomery County to discuss how we might unlock the power of employee ownership to build a more resilient and equitable local economy. The Silver Tsunami means businesses urgently need solutions. This is a critical time for business owners to consider pathways to retirement—particularly how employee ownership can address current business needs.
Employee ownership is a proven business structure in which a broad base of employees (usually 30% or more) own the business where they work. Studies have shown that employee-owned firms have higher profits and lower employee turnover than their peers. You can learn about the story of local Montgomery County business, Fire & Risk Alliance, and their transition to employee ownership here.
[insert your organization here] is partnering with other organizations in the region as well as Project Equity, a national EO nonprofit organization, to build awareness of employee ownership. Learn more about EO in Montgomery County here.
If you are a business owner wanting to explore employee ownership, you can schedule a free consultation with Project Equity.
Business advisors can learn more about how to talk about employee ownership with their clients here.
We’re excited about the power of EO to build an even stronger local economy and hope you will join us in learning more!
Sample LinkedIn posts
Message #1: Silver Tsunami
Did you know 56% of business owners in Montgomery are at or near retirement? Preserving these businesses and jobs is critical to our local economy. Learn more about employee ownership by visiting https://project-equity.org/impact/regional-initiatives/montgomery-county-maryland
#EOinMoCo #employeeownership #montgomerycounty
Message #2: EO as an employee retention & engagement strategy
As businesses search for strategies to recruit and retain employees, employee ownership is a proven tool with a track record of strengthening business performance and resilience. Learn more by visiting https://project-equity.org/news/employee-ownership-insider/employee-ownership-hire-retain-talent
#EOinMoCo #employeeownership #montgomerycounty
Message #3: Local examples of EO
Business owners in Montgomery County are choosing employee ownership as a strategy to preserve their legacy, strengthen business performance, and/or engage employees. Read the story of three local businesses any why they chose EO at https://project-equity.org/news/employee-ownership-insider/montgomery-county-eo-businesses
#EOinMoCo #employeeownership #montgomerycounty
Message #4: EO for business advisors and connectors
Retaining our local businesses as owners retire is critical to the Montgomery County economy. Business advisors in our region need to have employee ownership in their toolbox as they explore succession options with clients. Learn about employee ownership as an exit strategy for your clients by visiting: https://project-equity.org/learn/benefits-for-business-advisors
#EOinMoCo #employeeownership #montgomerycounty
Message #5: Learn more about EO
Our local businesses are critical to our regional economy. We challenge all local businesses owners to begin thinking about their succession plan now and whether a transition to employee ownership is the right exit strategy for you. Schedule a free consultation with our national EO expert, Project Equity, to explore whether EO is a fit for your goals here:
https://project-equity.org/free-consultation
#EOinMoCo #employeeownership #montgomerycounty
Want to discuss how you might incorporate EO into your organization's website or programming?
We could partner with you in many ways, including working with you to host an Intro to EO webinar for your team, partners, clients or others!
Reach out to Jennifer Bryant to talk more and explore a date that works for you.
