Convert Your Business to a Co-op!

Business owners at or nearing retirement age own 2.3 million businesses nationally that employ close to 25 million workers. However, fewer than 15% have a formal exit plan, threatening major business closures unless alternatives are developed. With the passage of the Main Street Employee Ownership Act in 2018, the US Congress recognized the potential for meeting these succession challenges by supporting the conversion of businesses to ownership by their employees through loan and training programs, alongside existing tax incentives for employee buyouts.

But what does selling your business to your workers mean, and what does it look like on the ground? Join us as we talk with local business owners who successfully shepherded their companies through the process of converting to worker cooperatives. We will also discuss the provisions of the Main Street Act and new opportunities for promoting employee ownership.

Click here to view the flyer:

http://ow.ly/ce9w50uPA1m

PANEL GUESTS:

Lebkowsky, Polycot Associates

Jon Lebkowsky has been managing technology projects and companies for over 25 years. He was cofounder and CEO of three companies, including Polycot Associates, which was recently transformed into a worker-owned web development cooperative. He is currently focused on strategic digital consulting and development, as well as business vision and management. He is also known as an activist and writer/blogger focused on strategic foresight, Internet evolution, digital culture, cyber liberties, media, and society.

Andi Shively, Key Figures

Andi Shively is the Operations Manager of Key Figures, a worker-owned cooperative providing financial management, bookkeeping, and tax preparation services. Key Figures was formed in 2017 as a conversion from Andi Shively Bookkeeping. Andi has previously served as the Treasurer of the Wheatsville Food Co-op Board of Directors and the President of the Austin Cooperative Business Association. She holds an MS in Community Economic Development, specializing in Cooperatives and Credit Unions from Southern New Hampshire University.

Lewis Weill

Lewis Weil is a biologist turned financial planner and founding member of Money Positive Cooperative where he helps people build their financial security.

Moderator: Don Jackson, ACBA President

Don Jackson is an economic development planner working the Austin area. He has experience serving on several boards in cooperatives in Austin, and is currently a representative from Wheatsville Co-op on the ACBA Board.