With employee ownership on the rise, business owners need experts to advise them throughout the transition and beyond. By becoming a Certified Employee Ownership Advisor, practitioners can enhance their expertise, expand their client base and contribute to the sustainable growth of small businesses. This certification program aims to provide a comprehensive high-level understanding of different employee ownership (EO) models to equip advisors with the tools needed to effectively guide their clients.
Program structure
The Certified EO Advisor program consists of 8 one-hour modules, covering various aspects of broad-based EO. Each module will focus on a specific topic and provide participants with in-depth knowledge, case studies and practical applications. The modules are interactive, engaging and expert-led. Upon completion of all modules, participants must pass an examination to earn the Certified EO Advisor designation.
Learning objectives
Upon successful completion of the CEOA level 1 program, participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between forms of broad-based EO including ESOPs, worker cooperatives and EOTs.
- Identify features, benefits and challenges associated with each EO form for a variety of small and medium-size business owners
- Recognize and recommend suitable forms of broad-based EO to small business clients as appropriate
- Strategize how to implement an employee ownership readiness plan aligned to the business’ lifecycle
- Identify and assemble key stakeholders for the EO deal team and transition
Continuing education
Upon successful completion of the certification program, participants will receive 8.0 hours of CFP Board and 8.0 hours of NASBA CPE, plus Level 1 CEOA certification with an annual renewal option.