• The Opportunity to Invest (for Impact) in Shared Ownership Across Georgia

Unlocking Shared Ownership in Georgia

The Georgia Shared Ownership Convening, co-hosted by the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, Goizueta’s Business & Society Institute, and Georgia Social Impact Collaborative (GSIC), brought together 50+ stakeholders to discuss the future of shared ownership models in our state. From ESOPs to cooperatives, these models are vital tools for promoting economic resilience and racial equity. Impact investors – from CDFIs to foundations to private investment funds – can and should play a role in supporting these businesses. Check out our convening report-out (link below) to see how stakeholders are collaborating to build a sustainable ecosystem for shared ownership in Georgia. From policy roundtables to expanding technical assistance, look for more to come from Georgia in 2025!

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Why Shared Ownership?

Shared ownership — where workers or community members have a stake in the businesses and assets that shape their lives — is gaining national traction. In Georgia, it’s especially urgent. With a widening racial wealth gap and many small business owners nearing retirement, employee and community ownership can serve as a vehicle for wealth transfer, asset preservation, and economic inclusion, but realizing this potential takes more than theory. It requires investors who understand both the financial and social returns possible when ownership is democratized.

What We Heard at the Convening

The event brought together co-op developers, CDFIs, foundations, financial professionals, government leaders, and small business support organizations. Here are some key takeaways for impact investors:

  • Demand Is Real and Growing

    Georgia is home to entrepreneurs and communities eager for alternatives to extractive ownership models. From rural towns to urban neighborhoods, shared ownership can preserve local businesses and foster long-term stability.

  • Capital Gaps Are a Barrier

    Access to flexible, mission-aligned capital is a persistent challenge. Traditional finance often doesn’t fit the unique needs of worker cooperatives or employee ownership trusts. Impact investors have a critical role to play in bridging this gap with patient, catalytic capital.

  • Partnerships Make It Work

    The convening spotlighted successful collaborations between community organizations, capital providers, and technical assistance partners. These ecosystems are key. Investors don’t need to build the infrastructure — but they can power it by working with trusted intermediaries already on the ground.

  • Transition Finance Is a Strategic Entry Point

    Business transitions — whether due to retirement, succession, or mission shifts — are ideal moments to introduce shared ownership. Investors can design or support buyout funds, loan guarantees, and other financial products that make these transitions feasible and attractive.

Call to Action for Georgia’s Investors

If you manage or advise capital that seeks more than just market-rate returns, Georgia’s shared ownership movement offers several pathways:

  • Invest in CDFIs or mission-driven lenders building tailored loan products for worker-owned businesses.
  • Partner with local foundations interested in place-based investing strategies.
  • Support fund development for shared ownership buyouts through recoverable grants, guarantees, or PRI capital.
  • Collaborate with TA providers to bundle financing with education and legal support.
  • Advocate for public policy alignment to unlock government-backed capital or incentives.

This event reinforced what many folks already know – the shared ownership movement is building. However, capital is a key to maintaining this momentum, and it’s time for more impact-first investors to step in.

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Read the Full Event Recap

We hope you’ll take time to dig into the full event recap report to learn more!

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