Building Community Wealth Together
The Greater Washington Center for Employee Ownership (GWCEO) serves as a hub for information, technical assistance, resources, and access to capital for owners interested in selling their businesses to their employees, employee groups interested in purchasing a business, and entrepreneurs who wish to start up a company with shared ownership.
What We Do
GWCEO preserves legacy businesses, increases the quality of jobs, and builds community wealth throughout the Greater Washington area. Our services are designed to provide you with the tools to help you convert, start, and grow an employee-owned business. Learn more about our business financing and Annual D.C. Co-op Impact Grants.
Business Financing
The GWCEO will work with you to find the best financing possible to fit the unique needs and goals of your employee-owned business. Our financial products range from a variety of financing options.
Annual D.C. Co-op Impact Grants
The D.C. Co-op Impact Grant aims to support early-stage cooperatives while catalyzing growth, boosting the localized economy in marginalized communities, and providing catalytic capital to attract other funders.
The grant recipients are expanding the cooperative model in the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, led by people of color and/or members of a historically disinvested community.
The 2024 funding cycle is now open!
Please download the application from the link below, complete the form fillable PDF, and email it to gwceo@rochdalecapital.org.
Completed applications are due by 11:59 pm on May 15, 2024.
Awards will be announced in mid-June.
Advisory Council
The advisory council is comprised of ecosystem partners, local government leaders, funders, co-op worker-owners, and ESOP employees. They offer their expertise to guide and shape the GWCEO's programming and operations.
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Resources to help you convert, start, and grow an employee-owned business
Our team is here to meet you where you are on your journey toward employee ownership, regardless of whether you are exploring your options for the first time or have been operating an employee-owned business for 30+ years. We encourage you to browse through our resources to learn more about the different models available for your consideration. If you would like to discuss your options, our team is happy to meet with you.
Resource Library
