Helping You Explore Employee Ownership as an Exit Strategy
For business owners considering employee ownership as a potential exit strategy, Employee Ownership Ireland (EOI) and the DLD Fund are offering a unique opportunity: fully funded feasibility studies to help assess whether an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is the right fit for your company.
Through this initiative, eligible businesses can receive up to three days of expert advisory support at no cost, helping to navigate the transition process and determine the viability of employee ownership.
With 50% or fewer of the originally available fully funded feasibility studies remaining, now is the time for business owners to seize this opportunity before funding is fully allocated.
What the Feasibility Study Covers
The feasibility study is designed to provide business owners with structured support, ensuring they have the insights needed to make an informed decision. The process includes:
1 Day of Support
- Activities: A combination of desktop research and a session with you.
- Focus: Review of your exit plans, an introduction to employee ownership, and how an EOT might facilitate your succession.
2 Additional Days of Support
- Activities: Development of a feasibility study if employee ownership is identified as a viable solution.
- Focus:
- Exploring potential ownership structures.
- Governance and future leadership requirements.
- Financial considerations, including funding options for an EOT transition.
- The overall transition process and timeline.
- Outcome: A comprehensive feasibility study offering a clear roadmap to help you make an informed decision. A follow-up session is also included to discuss findings and next steps.
Cost and Delivery
This initiative is fully funded by EOI and the DLD Fund, meaning:
- There is no obligation to use the assigned adviser beyond the feasibility study.
- There are no costs to the business owner.
- The completed feasibility study belongs to the business, allowing owners to use it as they see fit.
Who Qualifies?
This programme is open to business owners who are seriously considering a transition to employee ownership within the next 18-24 months. To ensure a broad representation of businesses across Northern Ireland, applications will be reviewed based on specific suitability criteria.
Essential Criteria:
- Must be a limited company based in Northern Ireland.
- Must have at least three years of trading accounts showing sustainable profitability.
- Must have a leadership succession plan in place or under development.
- Must have a team of employees committed to the company’s long-term success.
Apply Now – Limited Availability
With fewer than half of the originally available fully funded feasibility studies remaining, interested business owners should act quickly to secure their place in this programme.
To apply or learn more about how an EOT could benefit your business, Apply here. Let us help you explore a succession strategy that rewards your employees, sustains your company’s legacy, and ensures a smooth transition for your business.
