EOT Toolkit

For Company Leaders

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This section provides the tools, resources, and examples to effectively manage an EOT company and cultivate an ownership culture.

Background Knowledge

The EOT movement in the United States is new as a business succession model but rooted in centuries-old trust law. Before going too far down the EOT path, it is important to define the model and its application in the context of the US economy and society.

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An Introduction to Employee Ownership Trusts
This is the foundational reading material for owners, defining the EOT model, outlining the key motivators (e.g., preserving legacy), and detailing the crucial distinction from ESOPs. 
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The Global EOT Landscape Trends, Growth, and Lessons for the US Handout
Explore the history, global momentum, and structural success of EOTs in other countries to understand the US movement’s trajectory and potential. 
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EOT Acronyms and Common Terms Defined
Use this concise glossary to master the essential terminology, trust structures, acronyms, and legal language required for discussing EOTs.

Resources for EOT Companies

If you are one of the roughly 60 EOTs in the US, congratulations on your transition to the structure. The NCEO has a wealth of resources to support you. 

Educating Employee-Owners/Communication Resources

Successfully transitioning to employee ownership requires ongoing education and clear and consistent communication. These resources help you explain ownership concepts, rights, and responsibilities to your employee-owner workforce. All resources are based on best practices from ESOP companies and the NCEO’s 40+ years of making employee ownership thrive:

  • Basic Business Terms: Review a glossary of financial and business concepts employees need to understand.

  • Goal Setting for EOers: Discover how to align personal and company goals in an ownership context.

  • What Does Ownership Mean to You?: Participate in reflection exercises and use our guide to tailor the discussion.

  • Rent vs. Own: Understand the mindset shift from employee to owner.

  • Ownership Rights and Responsibilities: Learn what employee-owners can expect from their business and what is expected of them in return.

  • Communications Plan: View a helpful template and timeline for ongoing ownership education.

  • Budget Tracker: Use this dynamic budget spreadsheet to calculate income, fixed expenses, variable expenses, savings and investments, and debt payments for a total monthly net cash flow.

  • Financial Literacy Guide: Elevate employee-owners’ baseline understanding of business and personal finances with this terminology breakdown.

Connect and Grow

Connect with other companies and learn how they navigate growth, culture, and best practices. 

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Networking

EOT Peer Network
Attend and engage in monthly meetings with real companies in a confidential and intimate virtual setting that fosters connection, learning, and growth. 

Resource

Ownership Culture Survey
Measure how well your employee-owners understand ownership, their role in creating value, and whether they have the tools they need to think and act like owners. This comprehensive survey (with comparison data from 27,000+ respondents at 160+ employee-owned companies) helps you address strengths and weaknesses, measure progress over time, and focus your energy where you’ll get the greatest impact. Includes detailed reporting, demographic analysis, and up to two hours of consultation support. Now available for EOT companies. 

Toolkit

Employee Ownership Month Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to highlight the “why” behind Employee Ownership Month and to provide resources and examples to assist with the planning and execution of the month’s activities.

Resource

Document Library
Explore documents obtained directly from NCEO members that provide valuable employee ownership education.

Learn More

Now that you have a solid understanding of the EOT model, explore more opportunities to learn.

Event

Third Annual EOT Workshop at the 2026 NCEO Forum

Join us for an intensive, interactive deep dive into employee ownership trusts—built for business owners, employee-owners, HR professionals, financial advisors, exit planners, and service providers at every stage of the ownership journey.

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2027 NCEO Annual Conference
Join industry experts and forward-thinking leaders in Pittsburgh, PA, to harness the competitive edge of employee ownership. In addition to dedicated EOT programming, there will also be sessions on ownership culture, networking opportunities, and more.
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