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. Research suggests employee-owned businesses create a more fulfilling work experience for employee-owners, including higher wages, reduced turnover, access to better benefits, and job security.

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.

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.

Today, the Colorado Employee Ownership Office of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Exit Planning Institute released the 2022 Colorado State of Owner Readiness Report, offering key insights into the future of small businesses in Colorado. As a growing number of business owners approach retirement, the report sheds light on how prepared they are and how the State of Colorado can help these owners transition out of their businesses, realize the economic benefits of their hard work, and retain jobs across the state.

Governor Jared Polis has been awarded the inaugural Torchlight Award for his leadership in advancing employee ownership and employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), an honor that comes from The ESOP Association.

The Colorado Employee Ownership Office, a division of Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), announces four employee ownership conversions from round three of the Employee Ownership Grant.