Welcome to our Resource Hub

Explore expert resources designed to support business owners, advisors, and employees in navigating ownership transitions. From succession planning to implementing Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOP) and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOT), we provide the tools and insights you need to sell your business to employees and ensure long-term sustainability. Whether you are starting to explore your options or seeking actionable guidance, this hub is here to help.

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Why Specialized Advisory Makes a Difference for Your Business

by Courtney Yanta | April 14, 2025 | Blog Posts, FAQs, Retirement | 0 Comments

When planning for the future of your business—whether transitioning ownership or retaining top talent—you might wonder why you should engage an additional advisor if you already have an accountant or lawyer. The answer is simple: specialized guidance helps you build a...

TEDx Talk: A Smarter Way to Sell Your Business Through Employee Ownership

by Jennifer Williams | March 26, 2025 | Culture, EO Model, Retirement, Videos | 0 Comments

How Changing Who Owns the Business Can Change Everything Selling your business is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make—but traditional exit strategies can leave owners feeling stuck. What happens to your employees? Your customers? Your legacy? In this...

father and son businessmen wearing eyeglasses and reading newspapers on sofa

A Comprehensive Guide to Family Succession Planning and Employee Ownership

by Courtney Yanta | February 28, 2025 | Blog Posts, Culture, Retirement | 0 Comments

The business stays in the family—there is no question about that. But making it work for the long haul? That is where things get tricky. Generational transitions can be bumpy, and the stats are not in your favor. There is a better way. By combining Family Transitions...

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Why Employee-Owned Companies Thrive in Tough Economic Times—and How That Could Play Out in a Canada-US Tariff Battle

by Jennifer Williams | January 30, 2025 | Blog Posts, Culture, EO Model | 0 Comments

In times of economic uncertainty, when businesses face financial pressures and the future feels unpredictable, employee-owned companies tend to outperform their counterparts. And as the potential for a Canada-US tariff battle looms, employee-owned businesses could be...

Graphic of a bank with arrow pointing to EOT with arrow pointing to group of people

Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) in Action – What We Have Learned

by Courtney Yanta | January 29, 2025 | EO Model, Videos | 0 Comments

It's been just over six months since Canada introduced Employee Ownership Trust Legislation. This video provides a brief overview of EOTs and a glimpse into what we have learned so far! Looking for more information on EOTs? Click here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

by Courtney Yanta | January 13, 2025 | Blog Posts, FAQs, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions, to help you get the answers you need about employee ownership. Question not answered? Reach out, we would be happy to help! Employee Ownership What does the ideal company for employee ownership look like?...

Grey sign post with the word 'sold' in it

The Big Emotions Around Transition

by Jennifer Williams | November 20, 2024 | Blog Posts, Retirement, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Imagine your home. Whether you’ve lived there for two years or twenty, it’s more than just a structure—it’s a reflection of your journey. The outlet by the kitchen stove is a reminder of the time you learned you’re not an electrician. The basement doorway bears the...

A semi circle of men and women in hard hats and safety vests smiling and clapping

Employee Ownership and the Construction Industry

by Courtney Yanta | November 7, 2024 | Blog Posts, Culture, Retirement, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

In recent years, the construction industry has faced increasing challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled employees. According to a 2023 survey by the Canadian Construction Association, 38.4% of construction companies nationwide identified recruiting skilled...

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5 Employee Ownership Myths I Believed as a Newcomer (And You Might Too!)

by Courtney Yanta | October 29, 2024 | Blog Posts, Culture, FAQs, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Before I started in the role of Program Manager, I had a few assumptions about employee ownership—myths I held without even realizing it. Now, two months into this journey, I am learning what it means to think like an owner, not just an employee. Working closely with...

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From Ottawa to Indianapolis: A Road Trip to Employee Ownership Insights

by Courtney Yanta | October 4, 2024 | Blog Posts, Culture, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

When the Firefly Insights team hit the road, we weren’t just headed to another conference. This was a 13-hour journey from Ottawa to Indianapolis—crossing borders, counting rest stops, and curating the perfect playlist as we made our way to the 2024 Fall Forum hosted...

Canadian flag flying with the roof of parliament hill in the background.

A New Era of Employee Ownership in Canada – Employee Ownership Trusts

by Jennifer Williams | July 17, 2024 | Blog Posts, EO Model | 0 Comments

As the winds of change sweep through Canada's business landscape, a monumental shift has just been codified into law. On June 21, 2024, the passage of bills C-59 and C-69 marked a historic moment for employee ownership for Canada. The establishment of Employee...

Taxation concept image with Canadian cash, a business graph, and blocks spelling 'tax'.

Canada’s New Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Legislation

by Jennifer Williams | May 29, 2024 | Blog Posts, EO Model | 0 Comments

In a landmark move, Canada has introduced new legislation that enables the creation of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). This innovative framework is designed to facilitate a transition for business owners looking to sell their companies, ensuring a sustainable and...

Casual meeting of a smiling, diverse business team analyzing financial data.

Nurturing an Ownership Culture: Key Strategies for Success

by Jennifer Williams | March 14, 2024 | Blog Posts, Culture | 0 Comments

As millennials now dominate the workforce, there's a noticeable shift towards valuing collaboration and innovation in the workplace. To set your business apart and attract/retain top talent, consider offering ownership opportunities through an ESOP, worker...

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3 Ways to Employee-Ownership in Canada

by Jennifer Williams | May 30, 2023 | Blog Posts, EO Model | 0 Comments

ESOP (Employee Share Ownership Plan), EOT (Employee Ownership Trust), and Worker-Owned Cooperative are three different models for transferring ownership of a business to its employees. Each model has its own advantages and considerations, so the choice depends on the...

Two little kids laughing and working at a desk, dressed in business attire.

Selling your business to your employees

by Jennifer Williams | May 30, 2023 | Blog Posts, Culture, Retirement | 0 Comments

And not your kids.... HBO's Succession depicted the complex dynamics of passing down a family business, painfully reminding the viewer of the potential challenges and pitfalls of transitioning leadership to the next generation. Having worked with many family...

A diverse business team showing collaboration and unity with hands joined together in a team-building exercise.

Finding Purpose at Work: Why Ownership Should Matter to Employees

by Courtney Yanta | April 24, 2025 | Blog Posts, Culture | 0 Comments

As human beings, we naturally seek a sense of purpose. Our identities are shaped by the roles we play—siblings, parents, friends, teammates. Work is no different. For many of us, how we earn a living is more than just a job; it is a big part of who we are. We spend...

How Employee Ownership Helps Canadian Business Owners Plan a Legacy-Focused Exit

by Courtney Yanta | April 16, 2025 | Blog Posts, EO Model | 0 Comments

Featured in CanadianSME Business Magazine As thousands of Canadian business owners near retirement, the question of how to exit their business has become more urgent—and more complicated. Traditional sales and third-party takeovers often leave employees vulnerable and...

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Retaining Emerging Talent: What Younger Workers Really Want

by Courtney Yanta | April 9, 2025 | Blog Posts, Culture | 0 Comments

You have built a strong team—experienced, committed, and full of deep institutional knowledge. But as you look ahead, one reality is clear: some of your most trusted people are beginning to think about retirement. Their knowledge, leadership, and relationships have...

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