Services and Programs
We offer services that range from conceptual information to hands-on assistance, to anyone interested in exploring or implementing employee ownership. Preliminary meetings and phone consultations are free of charge. We will drive anywhere in the state to meet with employee groups and business owners.
A more detailed, individualized consultation is also available for a small charge. Additional services are offered on a sliding-scale fee-for-service basis.
- Outreach
- Education
- Technical Assistance and Training
- Business Assessments
- Employee Ownership Loan Fund
- Provide information to owners and employees of Vermont-based businesses on employee ownership options, financial and tax implications, the variety of possible legal and organizational structures, and sources of financing.
- Sponsor an annual employee ownership conference highlighting best company practices, and providing nuts and bolts workshops on employee ownership.
- Target outreach to small business owners who are contemplating retirement.
- Sponsor ownership succession and other seminars.
- Educate professionals who work with small businesses about employee ownership.
- Create case studies of existing successful employee-owned companies in Vermont.
- Introduce the idea of employee ownership to students in Vermont schools and colleges.
Since 2003, the VEOC has presented annual full-day conferences on employee ownership, which attract an average of 150 attendees per year. These are aimed at employee-owners in established employee-owned companies, business owners considering employee ownership, and people interested in the potential of employee ownership to preserve jobs and stabilize communities.
The VEOC also offers presentations to Rotaries, Chambers of Commerce, or other business groups interested in a gaining basic understanding of employee ownership. Please contact us to schedule a presentation to your organization.
Technical Assistance and Training
(before the introduction of employee ownership):
- Conduct a Business Assessment for Employee Ownership to provide first-cut analyses to determine whether employee ownership is advisable for particular businesses, and whether further investigation is warranted.
- If the preliminary analysis shows promise, provide referrals to technical and legal resources and to trade organizations specializing in employee ownership.
- Identify funding for feasibility studies, business plans and other soft costs.
- Coordinate transactions, particularly in cases where groups of employees are making an offer for a business.
(after the introduction of employee ownership):
- Facilitate peer-to-peer learning among employee-owned companies in the state.
- Help companies create and implement ownership education programs.
- Troubleshoot problems, provide assistance, and provide referrals to other Vermont companies and/or consultants who have encountered similar situations.
The Business Assessment for Employee Ownership provides an inexpensive key link between general knowledge obtained from a book or seminar and in-depth legal and/or accounting consultations which can constitute a more significant financial commitment. It is designed to aid you in assessing whether or not you and your business are ready to take that next step. It is designed to:
- Assess the suitability of employee-ownership as a way to achieve your business and personal goals
- Present various structures for such a conversion which might be appropriate for you, along with the key advantages and disadvantages of each
- Outline decisions to be made and further steps to take to achieve your goals
- Provide you with additional information and contacts
We follow a multi-step process to assure an individualized result to meet your needs, including:
- A personal interview and assessment questionnaire to gather relevant information
- Brief interviews with key managers or employees to introduce key concepts and assess interest
- Preparation of a 3-5 page report summarizing our findings and providing a clear path for you to follow to continue your exploration or begin an implementation
- Additional sources of information – publications, websites, people – to probe even deeper if you are not yet ready to make a decision.