A generational opportunity to build wealth and strengthen communities


Over $40 billion in business assets in Tennessee are expected to transition in the next decade.


How those businesses transition will shape who owns them, who benefits, and what happens to local economies.


Why This Matters

As business owners retire, many companies are sold to out-of-state buyers or closed altogether. This often results in lost jobs, reduced local ownership, and fewer opportunities for long-term wealth building.


With the right strategies in place, this transition can instead retain local businesses, support quality jobs, and expand ownership and wealth for workers.


WORKING TOGETHER

Employee Ownership aligns with multiple funding priorities:

01

Economic Mobility

Employee Ownership builds assets, economic security and wealth for workers.

02

Workforce

Employee Ownership supports job quality, retention, and career pathway opportunities.

03

Sustainability

Employee Ownership contributes to resilient economies, preserves local businesses, and accelerates corporate sustainability practices

04

Community

Employee Ownership keeps decision making local. Locally owned businesses circulate 3x more wealth in local communities.

How We Work With Partners

We build on what already exists


We don’t replace the work of local economic and community development organizations. We work alongside them.


Employee ownership is one more tool that can be integrated into existing programs, from small business support and workforce initiatives to regional economic development strategies.


By layering this approach into work that’s already happening, we help make those efforts more effective and more durable over time.

How We Work with Funders

We work to make sure more business owners and worker groups understand their options before it’s too late.


That means helping owners:

  • plan for the future of their business
  • explore different paths, including selling to their employees
  • make decisions that keep businesses strong and rooted in their communities


What Your Support Enables

Your support helps more business owners take the first step, before decisions are rushed or options are limited.


It allows us to:

  • reach business owners earlier
  • provide clear, trusted information
  • help more businesses stay locally owned and continue operating


EXPLORE ALIGNMENT

If you’re interested in how employee ownership connects to your funding priorities, we’d welcome a conversation.

CONTACT US