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131124 | Alison Lingane

Alison Lingane is a dedicated social entrepreneur who has spent her career leveraging business as a force for good.

10 years ago She co-founded Project Equity i, a nonprofit organization that promotes employee ownership to maintain thriving local business communities, create quality jobs, and address income and wealth inequality.

In April 2024, Alison announced her transition from Project Equity to focus on expanding investment capital for employee ownership.

Through the Ownership Capital Lab, which aims to advance shared ownership models.

We are excited about this conversation and diving

Interview Questions:

Your career has been dedicated to leveraging business as a force for good. What inspired you to co-found Project Equity, and how has the journey been since its inception?

Encourages Alison to share her motivations and experiences in establishing and growing Project Equity.

in the rear view mirror, i was looking for that for a long time, it was no where to be found. Past opportunity

Job training, scale deeply impactful programs

Working in Mission

Project Equity focuses on promoting employee ownership to address income and wealth inequality. Could you elaborate on how employee ownership contributes to building more equitable communities?

Seeks insights into the impact of employee ownership on economic equity and community development.

Quality jobs

What is the power of ownership for individuals

Really unique things that it is a win

Ownership matters for their financial trajectory and future

Generational poverty, ownership has the oppotunity to brige

Creates stronger business

More resilient

It was a challenging time for small businesses

a slice of New York

We are going still sell pizza, repositioned

Broad based ownership

Strengthen local economies

the great wealth transfer, Silver Tsumani

1/2 local business are owned by someone at retiring age.

Planning - viatality of the local economy

taxation revenue

Supply and demand in balance

there is a buyer under your know

a dollar in the local economy ciriculates 3 x more than a dollar

Ford

Increased wages, self fulling prophecy

Economies

Fighting the Silver Tsunami

State level - Governer of Colorado - office & commission of EO

Bridging financing gaps,

Local level

Relationships

Small businesses

Get in front of small businesses to discuss employee ownership

Take action on the succession plan.

Succession Planning

Businesses didn’t start with the exit in mind. Very tough emotionally. Giving up your identity.

the importance of capital

Size of the business and the ability to find a buyer.

Higly profitable businesses, are being sought out by PE.

Smaller end of the market, real true inbound interest isn’t as this is employee ownership

They are regularly competing with other buyers, employee ownership gives them a leg up

As private equity is moving down the market

transitioning to employee ownership > Historically

just re-ordering the process, it has to be done.

the data shows that the high engagement culture drives the success.

Historically 300 per year

Small growing number of funds. 100x

Field leading funds

teh field is so big

Ownership Capital Lap

First phase

a very nascent space,

investors - it is confusing and hard to understand. Creating connective tissue between the investors and the investablle opportunities

Cheque sizes

organising investors

Shared due diligence

Pipeline of funds

2 fund IIs

there is work to be done there,

Is that a bad thing, no. they are creating more change.

how do we increase the efficiency of the rep, so we can do more transactions effectively.

big role for philanthropy, support for the emerging fund managers have been central for creating the pipeline of funds

innovation on the capital Bond, spread

Rated

Small business investment company

donor advised - How are we tapping the great transfer of wealth

there are new classes of impact investors, younger wealth holders are

Donor Advised Funds.

What are the biggest challenges for companies looking to shift to en employee owned model?

Explores Alison's recent career shift and her objectives in expanding investment capital for employee ownership.

You're involved with the Ownership Capital Lab, which aims to advance shared ownership models. Can you tell us more about this initiative and its significance in the current economic landscape?

Provides an opportunity to discuss the mission and impact of the Ownership Capital Lab.

Reflecting on your experiences, what advice would you give to business leaders considering transitioning to employee ownership models?

Offers practical guidance for leaders interested in adopting employee ownership structures.

These questions aim to delve into Alison Lingane's extensive experience and insights into employee ownership and its role in fostering equitable economic development.

Sources

Fast round

Fast round of questions. I ask you a 3 questions and you offer a quick response. Does that sound ok?

Who is the leader you most admire in EO? There isn’t one leader in the space - collective

What is your favourite resource on employee ownership? Project Equity

What would you say to an business owner sitting on the fence re: employee ownership. Check all of your boxes with employee ownership.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for your time and sharing your thoughts with us today.

ownershipcapitallab.capital.

Where can people follow you if they would like to learn more?

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