Colorado Employee Ownership Office

Across the United States, an estimated 6 in 10 business owners plan to retire or sell their businesses within the next 10 years. Yet only 15% of businesses are passed down to the next generation, and only 20% of listed businesses sell. That leaves many owners without the opportunity to benefit financially from their decades of hard work and leaves employees susceptible to job loss. Colorado is no exception—across the state, 48% of Colorado’s small business owners are 55 or older.

Employee ownership models offer an alternative path to retirement that also preserves jobs, creating a win-win for business owners, employees and communities. Within the next 10 years, thousands of business owners in Colorado plan to leave their business. Employee ownership, paired with business strategy, creates sustainable economic opportunities.

The Colorado Employee Ownership Office establishes a network of training, support, education, and consulting for businesses considering employee ownership structures. The office brings together partners including employee-owned businesses, attorneys, financial and accounting professionals, and other employee ownership organizations.

Employee-owned businesses promote a higher quality of life for employee-owners including higher wages, less turnover, access to better benefits, and job security. For the business owner, they get the benefit of a more engaged workforce, a guaranteed succession plan, and a way to attract and retain top talent.

Visit at:  Colorado Employee Ownership Office | Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade