Colorado is leading the way in employee ownership, and we’re thrilled that it's making news across the state. Over the past year, several news articles have highlighted the Colorado Employee Ownership Office (EOO) and the advantages of employee ownership for small businesses.

OLATHE – Today, Gov. Polis and the Colorado Employee Ownership Office, housed within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), announced that Rocky Mountain Steel, Inc., based in Olathe, Colorado, is now 100% employee owned. The company transitioned to a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in June with support from the Employee Ownership Office.

To celebrate another successful legislative session, we are pleased to highlight the bills that will support our office’s programs and introduce new initiatives that work towards our mission of empowering all to thrive in Colorado’s Economy.

DENVER – The 2024 legislative session delivered real results for Colorado businesses of all sizes and positioned the state’s economy to continue to thrive. From nation-leading investments to strengthen Colorado’s workforce and create housing Coloradans can afford near job centers to cutting taxes and increasing certainty for business leaders, Colorado is doubling down on its commitment to be the best place to start and grow a business.

Today, the Polis Administration and the Colorado Employee Ownership Office, housed within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), announced four new businesses transitioning to employee-ownership with the help of the Employee Ownership Office including Idaho Springs’ Beau Jo’s Pizza. These conversions are part of a growing trend of employee-ownership in Colorado and continue the work of the Polis Administration to save businesses money while ensuring that everyone can benefit when a business thrives.

Peak Food & Beverage, located in Durango, Colorado, began as a brewing company in 1996 and has since grown to hold five restaurants in southwest Colorado. After launching in the 90s, the business started growing in different ways, acquiring real estate, finding investors, and opening new restaurants, all while exploring an LLC with profits sharing structure to allow financial shares and voting rights to employees.

Today, the Colorado Employee Ownership Office, housed within the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced 5 businesses that have converted to employee ownership with assistance from the Employee Ownership Grant.