March 2026 Newsletter | 2nd Edition
FREE Exit Planning Webinar, Attn: Rural Business Owners in Upper Peninsula, What Business Sector is Most Suitable for an ESOP? and the latest EO news curated for you…
UPCOMING EVENTS
Are you thinking about what happens when it's time to move on from your business? Join Roy Messing, MICEO’s Executive Director, for a FREE webinar covering everything you need to know about Exit Planning — from smart transitions to protecting what you've built. Whether you’re just curious or ready to plan, this event’s packed with practical tips and insider info.
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 1:00–2 PM EDT
Cost: FREE
Join us to start protecting your business's future. Can’t make it? Feel free to register, and we will send you the recording.
MICEO UPDATE
ATTN: UPPER PENINSULA BUSINESS OWNERS
Many rural communities are facing economic challenges as aging business owners approach retirement without clear succession plans. To help rural Michigan businesses remain rooted in their communities, MICEO is supporting business owners in the Upper Peninsula as they explore employee ownership as a transition option.
This project, which is being conducted with support from a USDA Rural Business Development Grant, is focused on preserving jobs and stabilizing local economies. The goal is to identify challenges and opportunities, provide guidance on structuring an employee ownership plan, and support owners through the transition process.
If you are considering retirement or stepping back from your business, please complete this short form to let us know more about you and your business. We can help you evaluate employee ownership and chart a clear path toward a successful transition. Let’s start something! Apply Here
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP FAQS
WHAT BUSINESS SECTOR IS MOST SUITABLE FOR AN ESOP?
ESOPs are not limited to any particular sector and are widely distributed across many industries. The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) reports that ESOPs are found in all sectors of the economy, from Arts & Entertainment to Wholesale Trade. In private companies, ESOPs are mainly found in professional, scientific, and technical services (21%), manufacturing (19%), and construction (19%). These industries often consist of established mid-sized companies where owners are seeking succession options.
In public companies – which represent a much smaller portion of ESOP plans overall – manufacturing (38%) and finance/insurance (30%) are the most popular industries. NCEO's newly updated interactive infographic shows the percentages for private, public, and all companies – illustrating how employee ownership can work across many types of businesses.
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP RESOURCES
LEARN MORE ABOUT EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP
Black Employee Ownership: A Pathway to Wealth Building and Economic Opportunity – Employee ownership has incredible potential for wealth-building strategy. New research from Project Equity shows Black workers remain significantly underrepresented in employee ownership, even in industries where they make up a substantial share of the workforce.
A Holding Company Built for EO Outdoor Recreation Businesses – The Outdoor Rec Collective plans to bring together a diverse collection of employee-owned outdoor companies to help owners sustain their brands while delivering higher wages.
Unearthing the Future: A Love for the Land – This short video was produced for The Farmers Land Trust by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions and features Blue Rock Station and the Blue Rock Farmland Commons. Discover how the Farmer’s Land Trust is helping them protect the land and give long-term security to its next generation stewards.
