AS A BUSINESS OWNER
WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?
The Illinois Center for Employee Ownership serves as the central hub for information and resources regarding transitioning businesses to an employee ownership model.
Why is this a key moment for employee ownership in Illinois?
Employee ownership is a business model in which employees collectively own a percentage of the business for which they work. Two of the main forms are Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and worker cooperatives. In both, employees are given a financial stake in the business. As the business prospers, employees prosper.
Over the next 10 years, more than 2.4 million U.S. businesses owned by retiring baby boomers will change hands or dissolve
More than half of all small business owners do not have a succession plan
Many businesses will be sold and leave the state of IL, or close their doors permanently, resulting in lost jobs, tax base, and community impacts
Why consider employee ownership?
It is an ownership succession plan that preserves jobs and community impacts, while giving the selling shareholders preferred tax treatment
It is a proven strategy for employee recruitment and retention
When employees have a stake in the company’s success, everyone benefits
How can the Illinois Center for Employee Ownership Help?
The ILCEO's mission is to educate business owners and their advisors (lawyers, bankers, accountants, wealth advisors) on the benefits of employee ownership via ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). ILCEO provides resources, case studies and articles, and a list of service providers who can assist with employee ownership transitions. ILCEO serves the entire state of Illinois.
Business Succession Planning
Get our free guide to Business Succession Planning and secure your company's future after your exit. Learn exit planning strategies and gain the knowledge and skills to prepare your business for a successful transition.
The Impact of Employee Ownership
According to a 2017 study done by the National Center for Employee Ownership young workers at
employee-owned companies benefit in the following ways:
33%
Higher Median
Income from Wages
92%
Higher Median
Household Wealth
53%
Longer Median
Job Tenure
Haydee Caldero
pronounced "I-They"
Executive Director
Interested in becoming employee owned?
Employee ownership is as much of a journey as a destination. The process can be complex, but the rewards - for selling owners, employees, and community alike - can be outstanding. Reach out to learn more about employee ownership and how to get started on this path.
We’re on a mission to turn the state of Illinois into a place where every working person can also be an employee owner.