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

Apr 16, 2025

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 the legacy of the business uncertain. But there is another way.

In our recent article published by Canadian SME Business Magazine, we explore how employee ownership offers a values-aligned succession strategy that keeps your team and purpose intact.

✅ Key Takeaways from the Article:

  • Succession planning does not have to mean selling out.
    • Employee ownership allows founders to step back while preserving jobs, values, and company culture.
  • Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) are gaining traction in Canada.
    • These legal structures make it possible to sell a business to employees without requiring them to purchase shares individually or take on personal debt.
  • Employee ownership is about continuity—not just cash.
    • The process builds long-term wealth and resilience for the people who helped build the business in the first place.
  • Employee Ownership is not just for succession planning.
    • It is an increasingly common tool for employee attraction, retention and engagement solutions.

🔗 Read the Full Article:

Check out the full piece, “Beyond the Sale: How Employee Ownership Keeps Your Business—and People—Together”, on the Canadian SME Magazine website.

💬 Thinking About Your Own Exit?

Explore whether employee ownership is the right path for your business. Learn more about how we support ownership transitions.

Meet the author

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Courtney Yanta

Courtney Yanta

PROGRAM MANAGER, FIREFLY INSIGHTS

Courtney is passionate about empowering employees and creating sustainable, thriving workplaces. With an Executive MBA and CAPM certification, she brings a global, cross-industry perspective to developing innovative employee ownership strategies. Courtney has extensive experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, helping businesses translate complex ideas into actionable solutions.