Expanding ESOPs

Expanding ESOPs is a coalition formed in 2024 by advocates, financial institutions, and foundations to increase the adoption of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) across the American economy. The coalition’s goal is to expand worker wealth, strengthen companies, and contribute to a more dynamic and equitable economic landscape. It sees ESOPs as an underused but highly effective tool that benefits workers, businesses, and communities alike. The coalition works on several fronts. It promotes worker wealth by encouraging more businesses to adopt ESOPs, giving employees a meaningful stake in the value they help create. It also advances policy solutions by researching and advocating for public policies that reduce barriers and make ESOPs accessible to a broader range of companies. Expanding ESOPs invests in public education, providing resources for businesses, workers, and communities to better understand the advantages of employee ownership. Bringing together more than 50 organizations—including advisory firms, financial institutions, foundations, and law firms—the coalition leverages a diverse network to achieve its mission. The benefits of ESOPs are felt at every level. Workers gain wealth-building opportunities, job security, and a greater sense of autonomy and dignity. Companies benefit from higher employee engagement, stronger productivity, reduced turnover, and tax advantages. Communities benefit through job preservation, retention of locally generated wealth, and stronger local economies. By driving broader adoption of ESOPs, the coalition aims to make employee ownership a cornerstone of a healthier and more resilient economy.