Welcome to the NCEO

The National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) is a private, nonprofit membership and research organization that serves as the leading source of accurate, unbiased information on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), equity compensation plans such as stock options, and ownership culture. We are the main publisher and research source in the field, hold dozens of Webinars and in-person meetings annually, and provide services to our thousands of members.

On this site, you'll find a variety of articles, links, and basic research material. For details, you'll want to refer to one or more of our many books and other publications, or online tools such as our ESOP Q&A. If you're a member, our members area offers a searchable newsletter archive, discussion forums, case studies, and much more. Our meetings range from a large annual conference to dozens of live Webinars yearly (free for members). We also provide speaking and consulting services.

Resources on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

An employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is a type of employee benefit plan in the U.S. that buys and holds company stock for the benefit of a broad group of employees. ESOPs offer significant tax advantages and often are used in closely held (private) companies to buy part or all of the shares of existing owners, but they also are used in public companies. We offer a broad array of resources for anyone interested or involved with these plans. [More...]

Resources on Equity Compensation Plans

Equity compensation plans include stock options, employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs), restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom stock, stock appreciation rights (SARs), direct stock grants, performance shares, and similar vehicles. As with ESOPs, we offer a broad array of resources for anyone interested or involved with these plans. [More...]

New to the World of Employee Ownership? Start Here

Don't know whether you might be interested in ESOPs or in equity compensation? Wondering where we fit in? Read our introduction to the world of employee ownership.