AS A WISCONSIN BUSINESS OWNER

WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?

Why is this a key moment for employee ownership in Wisconsin?

Employee ownership is a business model in which employees collectively own a percentage of the business for which they work. Employee Ownership models include Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP), Employee Ownership Trusts (EOT), and Worker Cooperatives.

Over the next 10 years, more than 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 WI, or close their doors permanently, resulting in lost jobs, tax base, and community impacts

Types of Employee Ownership

Employee Ownership can come in many forms. Working with a professional can help you determine the appropriate model for you based on your goals.

ESOP

A retirement-based ownership model where employees earn shares over time—building personal wealth while helping grow the company.

Cooperatives

A democratic business model where workers or members jointly own and govern the company, sharing profits and decisions.

Employee Owner Trust

A trust holds the company on behalf of employees—preserving the business long-term while giving workers a meaningful stake in its success.

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 Wisconsin Center for Employee Ownership help?

The WICEO'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). WICEO provides resources, case studies and articles, and a list of service providers who can assist with employee ownership transitions. WICEO serves the entire state of Wisconsin.

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.

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