How to use this path
Use this path when you are new to employee ownership and need a plain-language map before choosing a legal model. It starts with shared ownership basics, then introduces ESOPs, Employee Ownership Trusts, worker cooperatives, and ownership culture.
- 1FrameworkIntroInternational Cooperative Alliance
Cooperative Identity, Values & Principles
The International Cooperative Alliance’s official statement of cooperative identity, values, and seven principles, including democratic member control and member economic participation.
Why this is included: Start with the values and principles behind cooperative ownership. - 2GuideIntroProject Equity
Types of Employee Ownership
A Project Equity comparison of ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and Employee Ownership Trusts.
Why this is included: Compare the main employee ownership models at a high level. - 3GuideIntroNational Center for Employee Ownership
A Guide to Employee Ownership for Very Small Businesses
An NCEO guide for companies under about 20 employees that want employee ownership but may not be good ESOP candidates.
Why this is included: Understand why very small businesses may need simpler options. - 4GuideIntroNational Center for Employee Ownership
How an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Works
A clear NCEO primer explaining how ESOPs are structured, how the trust works, how shares are allocated, and why ESOPs are commonly used for business succession.
Why this is included: Learn the basic mechanics of an ESOP. - 5GuideIntroNational Center for Employee Ownership
An Introduction to Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)
A clear NCEO overview explaining what an EOT is, how it works, why owners choose the model, and how EOTs differ from ESOPs and worker cooperatives.
Why this is included: Add the Employee Ownership Trust model to the map. - 6GuideIntroProject Equity
Employee Ownership Trusts
Project Equity’s overview of EOTs, including how the model works, why it is flexible, and how it can provide employees with profit sharing and a voice in governance.
Why this is included: See how EOTs fit into a broader transition conversation. - 7GuideIntroNational Center for Employee Ownership
Ownership Culture
NCEO’s ownership culture hub explaining why employee ownership performs best when paired with information-sharing, employee voice, and owner-like thinking.
Why this is included: Close with the people and culture layer that makes ownership real.