Employee Ownership Raleigh

About the Initiative

The Employee Ownership Raleigh campaign connects local business owners with free, expert guidance on succession planning and employee ownership.

As many Raleigh small business owners approach retirement or consider exit strategies, this initiative offers practical pathways to keep businesses local, preserve jobs, and protect community wealth. Employee ownership helps businesses continue operating, supports growth, and keeps Raleigh’s economy strong.

The initiative is part of the national Worker Ownership Cities program led by the Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI) and is delivered locally in partnership with the North Carolina Employee Ownership Center (NCEOC).

Media Resources

• Full press release
• High resolution photos (to be uploaded following kickoff event)

Press Conference on March 25

Mayor Janet Cowell will formally announce the initiative at a press conference at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 25 at S&ME, a 100% employee-owned company located at 3201 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.  Event details: Employee Ownership Raleigh Campaign Launch

Why Employee Ownership

Employee ownership is a proven strategy for business continuity and long-term economic stability.

• Keeps locally owned businesses rooted in the community
• Preserves jobs and institutional knowledge
• Supports fair-market exits for business owners
• Strengthens recruitment, retention, and productivity
• Builds shared wealth for workers
• Research shows employee-owned firms retain more jobs and report higher productivity and stronger financial performance. North Carolina is already home to more than 140 employee-owned businesses.

How the Program Works

Employee Ownership Raleigh follows a no wrong door approach. Every business owner who reaches out receives clear guidance on next steps.

1. Initial Conversation
   Business owners contact NCEOC through an online intake portal (link coming soon) and receive free, confidential guidance on their succession and ownership options.
2. Exploring Options
   Owners learn whether employee ownership is a good fit for their business and which model (if any) aligns with their goals.
3. Personalized Support
   When appropriate, owners are connected to qualified legal, financial, and technical assistance providers for services such as:
   1. Business valuation
   2. Financing options
   3. Employee training
   4. Transition and succession planning
4. Alternative Pathways
   Owners who are not yet ready for employee ownership are referred to trusted partners such as the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), SCORE, or other business support organizations to prepare for a future transition.

Who it Serves

• Business Owners
• Entrepreneurs and Startups
• Workers and Employees
• Technical Assistance Providers and Service Partners

Get Started

Business owners can get started with a free consultation. Link to come