This is the third module of the Certified Employee Ownership Advisor certificate program. At the end of this module, participants will be able to understand the structure, purpose, and key features of worker cooperatives, evaluate the tax advantages and legal considerations specific to them, and analyze the governance and other important details of worker cooperatives.

• Understanding Worker cooperatives: structure, purpose, and key features
• Tax advantages and legal considerations
• Governance and other key details

Faculty

David Gray, Director Client Services, Project Equity
After several years in nonprofit leadership, David started his career as an entrepreneur by opening a fair-trade retail store with Ten Thousand Villages, in Montreal, Canada. He later opened Full Circle Thrift, a boutique second-hand store in Pasadena, CA. Most recently, David led business development for one of Habitat for Humanity’s networks of ReStores in the San Francisco region. David is passionate about addressing the unique issues of businesses in transition. He excels in developing strategic governance plans that support growth and frees up vision holders to maximize their time and energy. With training and experience in conflict mediation, David helps groups have difficult conversations that lead to creative solutions. His observation skills and interpersonal dynamics build trust, develop leadership, and cast a vision for viable new realities. When not working, he loves cooking for his family and planning unique trips to explore new places.

Laura Flores, Senior Client Services Manager, Project Equity
Laura started her career as a community organizer and developed a passion for advancing equity and social justice. In her most recent role, she supported 10 nonprofit organizations to build operational infrastructure that drives their mission. As a Client Services Manager for Project Equity, she simplifies the process for owners to sell their business and for employees to become owners. She is an agile facilitator and capacity builder with a knack for making information accessible and engaging diverse audiences. She received her BA in Global Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara and an MBA from Mills College. She is a wannabe bookworm who enjoys a good cortado, meditating, and nurturing her creativity.

Continuing education

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive 1.0 hours of CFP Board and 1.0 hours of NASBA CPE.