February Newsletter | 2nd Edition

Become an Employee Ownership Ambassador: A New Program for Missouri's Business Advisors and Community Leaders

Across Missouri, business owners are facing one of the most important decisions of their lives — what happens to their business when they're ready to move on? At MOCEO, we believe employee ownership is one of the most powerful and underutilized answers to that question. But getting there starts with awareness, and awareness starts with you.

That's why we're launching the MOCEO Employee Ownership Ambassador Program — a four-week learning experience designed for the trusted advisors and community leaders who sit across the table from business owners every day.

Who Is This For?

If you're an attorney, CPA, financial advisor, business consultant, or economic development professional, this program was built with you in mind. As an EO Ambassador, you'll walk away with a practical, working knowledge of how employee ownership works, when it's the right fit, and how to confidently bring it into conversations with your clients and community.

What You'll Learn

Over four weeks, you'll explore the three primary models of employee ownership:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) — a federally recognized structure allowing employees to gain ownership stakes over time

• Worker Cooperatives — democratic business models where employees share ownership and decision-making

• Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) — a flexible, emerging model gaining traction as a succession solution

With one virtual session per week and independent learning modules designed to fit a busy schedule, this program meets you where you are.

Why It Matters

Missouri is home to tens of thousands of baby boomer–owned businesses approaching a critical transition point. The decisions these owners make in the coming years will shape the future of local jobs, community wealth, and economic vitality across the state. Advisors and community leaders who understand employee ownership are uniquely positioned to help owners make informed, values-driven choices — and to ensure more businesses land in the hands of the people who helped build them.

Join the Interest List

Our next cohort launches in May. If you're ready to deepen your expertise and expand your impact on Missouri's business community, we'd love to have you involved.

👉 Join the interest list today and take the first step toward becoming an Employee Ownership Ambassador.

Together, we can shape a future where businesses flourish, employees build wealth, and communities grow stronger.

Sincerely,