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Quick Notes
Things we're thinking about, learning, and encountering in our work helping companies rethink ownership.
Business Succession Planning 101: Where to Start
Learn how to begin succession planning, assess business readiness, understand value, build leadership, and compare options with Stronghold Ownership guidance.
Employee Ownership Basics 101: What Business Owners Need to Know
Understand the main employee ownership models, how they work, what employees receive, and what owners should compare with Stronghold Ownership expert guidance.
Hybrid Ownership Structures 101: Combining Models for Flexibility
See how hybrid ownership can combine governance, employee participation, family ownership, and liquidity in one plan with Stronghold Ownership expert guidance.
Converting a Business to a Worker Co-op: What's Involved
Learn what a worker co-op conversion involves, from feasibility and valuation to financing, governance, legal work, and closing with Stronghold Ownership guide.
Worker Cooperatives 101: An Alternative to Traditional Ownership
Explore worker cooperative ownership, governance, patronage, financing, and succession considerations in this useful practical guide from Stronghold Ownership.
Purpose Trusts 101: How to Use a Purpose Trust for Business Succession Planning
Learn how purpose trusts can support business succession, ownership continuity, and long-term stewardship in this practical guide from Stronghold Ownership.
ESOP vs. Selling to a Private Equity Firm
Compare ESOP and private equity exits across price, control, taxes, employee impact, timing, risk, and long-term goals in this guide from Stronghold Ownership.
ESOP 101: Costs, Timeline, and Requirements
See what an ESOP may cost, how long it can take, what federal rules apply, and what owners should plan for before moving ahead with Stronghold Ownership today.
What Is an ESOP? Employee Stock Ownership Plans Explained
Understand how an ESOP buys company stock, builds employee retirement wealth, and can support owner succession planning with Stronghold Ownership guidance.
How an Employee Ownership Trust Sale Works, Step by Step
See each stage of an EOT sale, from feasibility and valuation through governance, financing, closing, and transition in this guide from Stronghold Ownership.
What Is an Employee Ownership Trust? EOT Basics for Business Owners
Learn what an employee ownership trust is, how EOTs work in the U.S., and how they differ from ESOPs, co-ops, and direct ownership with Stronghold Ownership.
Employee Ownership Trusts as a Succession Strategy for Family Business
Explore how an employee ownership trust can support family succession, preserve continuity, reward employees, and align owner goals with Stronghold Ownership.
What Happens to Employees in Each Ownership Structure
Will your team be protected when you exit? Stronghold Ownership explains how 6 different succession structures impact employees.
5 Business Succession Options for Portland Founders
Explore 5 alternative business succession strategies for Portland founders with Stronghold Ownership. Protect your legacy and team without a traditional sale.
How to Exit Your Business Without Selling to Private Equity
Want to step away without destroying your company culture? Explore non-PE exit strategies with Stronghold Ownership to achieve liquidity and mission protection.
How Long Does an Ownership Transition Take?
From exploration to closing, how long does succession planning take? Stronghold Ownership breaks down the 5 key phases and expected timelines for ESOPs, EOTs, and Co-ops.
How Employee Ownership Transitions Are Financed
Employees rarely buy companies with personal cash. Learn how Stronghold Ownership structures and finances employee ownership transitions.
Purpose Trust vs. Selling to Private Equity
Protect your mission and reward your team. Learn why founders are choosing purpose trusts over PE firms, Expert transition advice from Stronghold Ownership.
How to Talk to Your Family or Partners About an Ownership Transition
Family business succession planning is deeply personal. Learn how to navigate ownership transition conversations smoothly with Stronghold Ownership.
What is Steward Ownership?
Discover how steward ownership protects your legacy and mission. Learn alternative succession strategies with Stronghold Ownership. Read our full guide today.