The Alabama Center for Employee Ownership serves as the central hub for information and resources around employee ownership in Alabama.
Our local business landscape is going through a dramatic shift.
Baby boomers own half of the privately held businesses with employees in Alabama
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 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 AL, or close their doors permanently, resulting in lost jobs, tax base, and community impacts
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
The ALCEO's mission is to educate business owners and their advisors (lawyers, bankers, accountants, wealth advisors) on the benefits of employee ownership via Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). ALCEO provides resources, case studies and articles, and a list of service providers who can assist with employee ownership transitions. ALCEO serves the entire state of Alabama.
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.
Board Chairman
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 Kevin to learn more about employee ownership and how to get started on this path.
We're on a mission to turn the state of Alabama into a place where every working person can also be an employee-owner.
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