Employee Ownership Program
Information and Resources for You
There are many considerations throughout the process of creating an employee ownership business, whether as a start-up organization or as a transition from another type of business model. Along with the support provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce Employee Ownership Program, we offer these resources to help you in your journey to learn more about whether employee ownership is right for your business.
Washington State Agencies
The Governor’s Office for Regulatory Information and Assistance
ORIA offers comprehensive information on doing business in Washington and linking entrepreneurs and small businesses to Washington state resources
Department of Revenue
Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees and provides technical assistance to businesses applying for the tax incentive credit.
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State oversees registering corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and other business entities, as well as managing filings related to trademarks and charities.
Department of Labor & Industries Small Business Assistance Division
L&I is dedicated to the safety, health, and security of Washington’s 3.3 million workers.
Washington State organizations dedicated to employee-owned businesses
Washington Center for Employee Ownership
WACEO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting employee ownership across Washington State. It serves as a resource hub for business owners, employees, and other stakeholders interested in transitioning businesses to employee ownership models, such as Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and worker cooperatives
Employee Stock Ownership Program Association, NW Chapter
ESOP, NW Chapter is a regional branch of the national ESOP Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting employee ownership through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The Northwest Chapter serves members in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, providing support, education, and networking opportunities for companies and professionals involved in ESOPs.
Northwest Cooperative Development Center
NWCDC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cooperative businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Based in Olympia, Washington, NWCDC provides a range of services and support to help establish and strengthen cooperatives, including worker-owned cooperatives, and others, such as consumers, housing communities and, agriculture.
Other Washington State business-focused organizations
Washington Small Business Development Center
WA SBDC is a statewide network that provides no-cost, confidential business advising, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners. It is a partnership between Washington State University, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and other local and regional entities.
SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners start, grow or successfully exit a business. It is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and is one of the largest networks of volunteer business mentors in the United States.
Federal agencies
Employee Benefits Security Administration, Division of Employee Ownership
The Division of Employee Ownership is within the Office of Outreach, Education and Assistance at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). It supports employee ownership programs across the United States, serving as a clearinghouse on techniques employed by State programs and disseminating information relating to those techniques to the programs. Email the division with any questions.
National employee-owned business organizations
Employee Ownership Foundation
EOF supports research, education, and outreach initiatives to promote employee ownership. It funds studies on the economic impact of ESOPs and works closely with the ESOP Association to increase awareness of the benefits of EO models. They are the parent organization of the Employee Stock Ownership Foundation.
National Center for Employee Ownership
NCEO is one of the most comprehensive resources for EO information, offering research, publications, webinars, and conferences. It provides guidance on ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and other forms of employee ownership, making it an essential hub for companies, policymakers, and practitioners.
Employee Ownership Expansion Network
EOX is dedicated to expanding employee ownership in the United States. EOEN works with business owners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote employee ownership and to remove barriers to employee-owned businesses. Their efforts include advocacy, education, and providing resources to businesses looking to transition to employee ownership.
Employee-Owned S Corporation of America
ESCA represents the interests of S corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plans (S ESOPs) in the United States. Founded in 1998, ESCA advocates for policies that promote and protect the S ESOP business model, which allows employees to collectively own businesses through their retirement plans.
Project Equity
Project Equity focuses on helping businesses transition to employee ownership, particularly through worker cooperatives and ESOPs. It provides direct support to companies, promotes policy initiatives to encourage EO, and works with communities to foster employee-owned business models
US Federation of Worker Cooperatives
The USFWC is the only national organization dedicated to promoting worker cooperatives. It provides resources, advocacy, and support for cooperatives and worker-owned businesses, advocating for policies that encourage employee ownership and provide cooperative support services.
National Cooperative Business Association
NCBA CLUSA represents cooperative business entities, including worker cooperatives. It advocates for cooperative-friendly policies, provides education and training, and works to expand the visibility of cooperatives as a business model.
Other business-focused national organizations
Rutgers Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing Online Education Program
Based at Rutgers University, this institute conducts research on the impact of employee ownership and profit-sharing models. It publishes studies, hosts conferences, and provides data that support the employee ownership field.
This list of resources and organizations is provided for informational purposes only. They should not be viewed as an endorsement by the Washington State Department of Commerce who oversees and manages the Employee Ownership Program.