Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO)

Welcome
The Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) is the state's premier resource hub dedicated to promoting and expanding employee ownership across Iowa. As a central point of connection, we provide education, resources, and support for businesses interested in exploring employee ownership models, particularly Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Worker Cooperatives and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). Our goal is to empower Iowa businesses, employees, and communities with the knowledge and tools to transition to, or strengthen, broad-based employee ownership.

IA-CEO is proud to be the 21st state center in the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX), a national initiative committed to increasing awareness of the benefits of employee ownership. We operate under the leadership of the University of Northern Iowa's (UNI) Advance Iowa, a program with a strong history of supporting Iowa businesses to achieve their goals.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enhancing economic prosperity throughout the state. We believe that by expanding employee ownership, we can help secure the future of Iowa businesses, preserve jobs, and create wealth-building opportunities for workers, all while keeping local economies vibrant and competitive. Through educational programming, expert guidance, and a network of industry professionals, IA-CEO is here to support businesses every step of the way as they explore and implement employee ownership solutions.
Five Big Ideas for Employee Ownership
We’re proud to see Iowa leadership shaping the future of business education and employee ownership on a national stage!
Dr. Leslie K. Wilson, Dean of the Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), presented one of the "Five Big Ideas for Employee Ownership" at the Employee Ownership Ideas Forum in April—hosted by The Aspen Institute and the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing.
Her big idea? Incorporating employee ownership into the business college curriculum—reflecting UNI's commitment to teaching, research, and outreach that prepares students to lead in inclusive, sustainable business models.
We’re thrilled to see this kind of vision coming from Iowa and contributing to a growing national movement.
Employee Ownership Impact
In this video, learn about the powerful benefits of employee ownership. Discover how employee ownership not only serves as an effective succession plan for business owners but also strengthens local communities by promoting economic resilience. The Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) is a key resource, providing expert guidance for companies considering the transition to employee ownership. Explore how this model can secure your business's future while empowering employees and contributing to a stronger economy in Iowa.
Video credits: Weicks Media

IA-CEO receives Ford Foundation Grant

IA-CEO awarded USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grant
We are excited to announce that the IA-CEO has been awarded a one-year grant from the USDA through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program. The project funds will be used to:
- Expand employee ownership awareness & educational initiative
- Build an informational network resource hub
- Provide basic technical services for worker cooperatives

Employee Ownership - By the Numbers
The average employee at a 100% ESOP-owned S corporation stays with the company for 7.1 years.
According to a 2023 report published by the NCEO (National Center for Employee Ownership)
Upcoming Events
Advisors’ Edge: Unlocking Employee Ownership for Your Clients
Wed, Jun 18 2025
5:00pm - 6:30pm
SingleSpeed Brewing Co, 325 Commercial St, Waterloo, IA
Exit with Impact: Selling your Business through Employee Ownership
Wed, Oct 22 2025
5:00pm - 6:30pm
DMACC Urban Campus, 1100 7th Street, Room 171, Des Moines, IA
Advisors’ Edge: Unlocking Employee Ownership for Your Clients
Wed, Oct 22 2025
5:00pm - 6:30pm
DMACC Urban Campus, 1100 7th Street, Room 170, Des Moines, IA
IA-CEO Announcements

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