Employee Ownership: A Business Retention Strategy
Presented by: UW-Madison Center for Cooperatives, UW-Extension
Location: Fluno Center (601 University Avenue, Madison)
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm, followed by optional tour 3:00-4:00pm
Over the next two decades, and estimated 70% of privately-held businesses will change hands, many as a result of retiring baby boomers. Who will take over these businesses and will they remain in their communities? Conversion to employee ownership is gaining traction as an effective method for retaining businesses, jobs, and wealth in local communities.
Employee Ownership: A Business Retention Strategy will provide economic development professionals with the tools and practical knowledge necessary to use employee ownership as a business retention strategy in their communities. Participants will hear from individuals who work for employee owned companies and from business developers experienced in planning and executing conversions to employee ownership.
Key Topics
- Employee ownership basics: worker cooperatives and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs)
- Benefits of conversion to employee ownership for retiring owners, employees and the community
- Nuts and bolts of the conversion process
- How to talk with local business owners about succession planning
Who should attend?
- Economic development professionals who work for local, regional, or state government
- Small Business Development Centers
- Chambers of Commerce
- Local and regional policymakers
- Community and economic development organizations
Learn more and register online.
For more information, contact Cooperative Development Specialist Courtney Berner at 608.890.0966.
