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The Grid

The Grid: Built for the SMB community

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  • People

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    Find supporting organizations

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    Funds, programs, and lenders

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    Podcasts and research reports

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    Common questions answered

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    Terms and definitions

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    Visual ecosystem map

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OwnersVideosEO LeadersPodcastsPolicyFinanciersBlogsResearchAdvisorsOrgsGlossaryTHE GRIDby Zolidar

The Grid: Built for the SMB community

Where owners, advisors, and financiers connect, find answers, and build reputation.

Forever free
 collaboration space

For the community,
by the community

This space is designed to expand and evolve, reflecting the latest in employee ownership.

Directory

PeopleOrganizationsFunding
Learn more

Wiki

ContentAnswersTerms
Learn more

Forum

Learn more

EO Market Map

Open the map

A living, member-curated market map of EO firms, funds, and advisors.

For everyone interested in Employee Ownership

A collaborative space where the community creates, shares, and grows knowledge on employee ownership, business transitions, and growth strategies together.

BUSINESSES

Business owner, Management team, Board members, Employees

Tap the crowd

  • Connect with trusted advisors in the directory
  • Get answers and insights in the forum
  • Learn key concepts and strategies in the wiki

BUSINESS ADVISORS

Accountant, RIA, Financial advisor, Exit planner, Employee ownership consultant, Capital allocator

Build your brand

  • Showcase your expertise in the directory
  • Share insights and build thought leadership in the forum
  • Access resources and stay current in the wiki

EO ADVOCATES

EO Funders, Policy advocate, Community organizer, Nonprofit leader, Economic development professional, Impact investor, Researcher, EO champion, EO curious

Spread your ideas

  • Connect with like-minded professionals in the directory
  • Collaborate and drive conversations in the forum
  • Contribute knowledge and resources to the wiki
Join now

Directory

Discover trusted advisors, business owners, and champions in employee ownership, M&A, business growth, and advisory services.

View peopleView organizationsView funding
G

Gina Schaefer

Washington, DC, USA
Professional Speaker, Board Member, Co-owner
# Professional Speaker# Board Member# Co-owner
A

Apis & Heritage

Washington, DC, USA
Capital Provider
# Capital Provider# ESOP
T

The Fund for Employee Ownership

Cleveland, OH, USA
Investment fund
# ESOP# Worker co-op
M

Martin Staubus

San Diego, CA, USA
Chairman
# Chairman# ESOP Expert
C

CFO Advantage

Minneapolis, MN, USA
Service Provider
# Service Provider# Financial
M

Mosaic Capital Investors I

Charlotte, NC, USA
Investment fund
# ESOP# Acquisition
A

Anne Claire Broughton

Durham, NC, USA
Principal at Broughton Consulting LLC
# Consultant# EO Expert
M

Mosaic Capital Partners

Charlotte, NC, USA
Capital Provider
# Capital Provider# ESOP
M

Michigan Employee Ownership Pilot

Michigan, USA
Program
# Grant# Technical assistance
D

Deborah Olson

Minneapolis, MN, USA
Expert EO Attorney
# Attorney# EO Expert
N

NC SBTDC

Raleigh, NC, USA
Service Provider
# Service Provider# Business Development
S

Seed Commons

New York, NY, USA
Investment fund
# Worker co-op# Loans
J

Janine Firpo

Oakland, CA, USA
Co-founder
# Co-founder# Impact Investor
M

Maximum Fun

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Business
# Media# Entertainment
C

Colorado Employee Ownership Capital Gains

Colorado, USA
Program
# Tax incentive# ESOP
D

Dan Markowitz

New York, NY, USA
Partner, Board Member
# Partner# Board Member
L

Local Ocean Seafood

Newport, OR, USA
Business
# Food# Retail
S

Shared Capital Cooperative Fund

Minnetonka, MN, USA
Investment fund
# CDFI# Worker co-op

Wiki

Explore curated content, expert answers, and essential terms on employee ownership, M&A, business growth, and advisory topics.

View all contentView all answersView all glossary terms
episode

Ryan Tansom: Intentional Growth/Long-term Value

Category:Episode
Tags:GrowthValue
glossary

DSCR

Category:Financial
q&a

Can the company sell again after an EO transition?

Category:Exit Planning
episode

Interview with Certified EOS CEO Thomas

Category:Episode
Tags:EOSLeadership
glossary

1042 Rollover

Category:Tax
q&a

Can real estate be included in a business sale to employees?

Category:Asset Planning
episode

Should I Open My Books to My Employees?

Category:Episode
Tags:EOExperience
glossary

Patronage Dividend

Category:Cooperative
q&a

When is the best time to sell my business?

Category:Timing
episode

Interview with Jack Veale: Building Owners

Category:Episode
Tags:OwnershipDevelopment
glossary

Reg D Crowdfunding

Category:Funding
q&a

Can a unionized business also be employee-owned?

Category:Structure
episode

Why Half of Acquisitions Fail

Category:Episode
Tags:AcquisitionsRisk
glossary

Liquidity

Category:Financial
q&a

Who typically finances an employee ownership sale?

Category:Financing
episode

Steward Ownership: Ownership Diversification

Category:Episode
Tags:StewardshipDiversification
glossary

Cooperative Principles

Category:Cooperative
q&a

Will I make more money if I sell the business in pieces?

Category:Value

Forum

Join discussions, share insights, and get answers on employee ownership, M&A, business growth, and advisory topics.

Go to forum

  • What's the most underestimated financial metric that shows an SMB is ready to transition ownership of the business?

    Discussion about key financial metrics for business transition readiness

  • How do you decide which type of EO to most strongly recommend to an SMB owner?

    Exploring different employee ownership models and their suitability

  • What's your favorite EO transition story and why?

    Share successful employee ownership transition stories

  • Hi, I'm Matthew from Zolidar

    Introduction and welcome message from Matthew

  • What types of SMB transition have you worked on?

    Share experiences with different types of business transitions

  • Why aren't more companies EO?

    Discussion about barriers to employee ownership adoption

Put your org on the EO Market Map

The EO Market Map is member-curated. Curate your org.

Add your orgExplore the map
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Zolidar is not a registered investment adviser or registered broker-dealer and does not provide investment recommendations or advice of any kind. Any materials provided are solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or participate in any investment, nor as intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, investment, tax, financial, accounting, legal, regulatory or compliance advice. The opinions and analysis contained in any materials provided may be based on published and non-published sources prepared by unrelated third parties. While such sources are believed to be reliable and written in good faith, they have not been independently verified and no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of such information. Except where otherwise indicated, any materials provided are based on information in existence as of the date of preparation, and not as of any future date, and will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available, or circumstances existing or changes occurring after the date of preparation. Prior to making a financial decision, you should (i) conduct your own investigation and analysis, (ii) carefully consider risk factors, objectives and strategy, fees and expenses, and any tax consequences, and (iii) consult with your own investment, tax, financial, accounting, and legal advisors. You should ensure that you have the financial capacity for any decisions that you make. Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission or federal or state regulatory authority has recommended or reviewed or approved the accuracy or completeness of any of the information or materials provided through Zolidar.

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Frequently asked questions

See all
1

What is The Grid?

The Grid is a free, interactive, AI-powered platform designed to support and empower those who build, grow, and champion Main Street businesses. It offers fresh, curated content on exit planning and employee ownership, enriched by AI to organize and categorize information seamlessly. The community itself plays a vital role, with members able to edit, create, and enhance content collaboratively. Whether you're a business owner, advisor, or employee-owner, The Grid provides a dynamic space to connect, learn, and build valuable relationships—securing the future of small and medium businesses together.

2

Why join The Grid?

The Grid is your go-to destination for simplifying exit planning and exploring employee ownership opportunities. Whether you're seeking guidance, connections, or expertise, The Grid provides the tools and resources to make your journey easier and more impactful. Here's what you will gain:

  • A single platform for everyone working in and on main street businesses.
  • Smart tagging and search capabilities to quickly find relevant experts, resources, and discussions.
  • AI-enhanced content summaries for accessible and actionable knowledge.
  • Up-to-date resources and guidance enriched by member contributions.
  • Opportunities to build your professional reputation through meaningful contributions.
3

Who is The Grid for?

The Grid is for anyone who supports small and medium businesses, and in particular during their exit planning journey. Here are just a few people you can find using The Grid:

  • Business Owners: Access trusted advisors and resources to navigate your EO journey.
  • Advisors: Build your reputation, showcase your expertise, and connect with business owners ready for EO transitions.
  • EO Advocates: Promote employee ownership, share stories, and collaborate to expand awareness.
  • Capital Allocators: Discover businesses seeking funding and engage with the EO ecosystem.
  • Employee Owners: Share experiences and learn best practices about EO from peers.
4

Is The Grid free to join?

Yes, The Grid is completely free to join. Access tools, resources, and connections at no cost and become part of a trusted network shaping the future of EO.

5

How do I join The Grid?

Signing up is straightforward and free. Join The Grid and we will ask you to sign in with your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn authentication helps maintain the professionalism and trustworthiness of our network. If you don't have LinkedIn, contact us for alternative verification options.

6

How do I create or claim my profile in The Grid?

Most professionals and organizations in the EO field already have a profile in the Grid Directory. Once you click Join The Grid, you can search for your profile—if it is listed, click "Claim Profile." If not, creating a new profile takes just a few minutes.

7

Do I need a LinkedIn profile to join The Grid? Why can't I join without it?

Yes, we use LinkedIn for authentication to ensure the credibility of The Grid. If you don't have LinkedIn, contact us for alternative verification options.

8

Can I invite others to join The Grid?

Absolutely! Share this link to Join The Grid with colleagues, clients, and anyone passionate about EO. The more voices we have, the more dynamic The Grid becomes.

9

How do I benefit from contributing to The Grid?

We invite The Grid members to enrich the content, including the Wiki, Forum and Directory. The benefits are that you:

  • Share your expertise to add a unique perspective.
  • Build your reputation as a trusted professional.
  • Stay informed and learn while contributing.
  • Support a reliable resource that benefits everyone in the EO space.
10

How do I suggest edits to The Grid content?

We encourage The Grid members to contribute to the content in The Grid, including through the Organization profile pages and Wiki content. To suggest edits, navigate to the specific page or entry you wish to update. Click the "Suggest Edit" button and provide your proposed changes. Your edits will be published immediately and attributed to you, so ensure the information is accurate and relevant before submitting. You can view the change history of pages, including dates and names of members who made the edits.

11

Are there guidelines for adding or editing content in The Grid?

Yes, all contributions should be factual and concise. Avoid promotional content or unverified information. Adhere to The Grid guidelines when submitting changes. The full guidelines are available in The Grid.

12

Can I update my own profile in The Grid?

Yes, you can update your profile, and are encouraged to enrich it to reflect your experience and expertise. Once you have a claimed profile, click the "Edit" icon to make updates and save the changes.

13

Can I add a new person or organization to The Grid Directory?

You can certainly add yourself to the Directory by creating your profile. You cannot add a new person to the Directory at this time. However, you can Share this link to invite the person to create their own profile. You can add a new organization to the Directory.

14

Can I delete a profile from The Grid Directory?

If you do not want your profile to be public, you can decide to leave The Grid. We require everyone who wants to create and edit content to have a Grid profile. You cannot delete or edit another person's profile from the Directory. But you can report inaccuracies in another person's profile.

15

Who ensures the accuracy of The Grid Wiki and Directory content?

The Grid operates on a collaborative model, where members collectively ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content. Everyone is responsible for maintaining a high-quality resource.

16

What is the purpose of the Forum in The Grid?

The Forum is the heart of community interaction. It's a space where business owners, employees, advisors, and capital allocators can start discussions, ask questions, share insights, and collaborate on topics related to exit planning, employee ownership (EO), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and business growth. Start by introducing yourself, then find other topics to start or join the conversation.

17

Can I post questions or start discussions in The Grid Forum?

Absolutely! The Forum is open for all members to ask questions, share experiences, and start discussions. Whether you're seeking advice, sharing success stories, or exploring EO trends, the Forum is the perfect place to engage. Use tags to categorize your posts, reply to others comments, and mention members to connect directly. Whether you're new to topics or a seasoned expert, you are welcome to join in.

18

Are there any rules or guidelines for participating in The Grid Forum?

Yes, The Grid has a set of participation guidelines to ensure a respectful and constructive environment. Members are encouraged to be professional, helpful, and inclusive when interacting with others. The full guidelines are available in the Community.

19

What types of discussions can I find in The Grid Forum?

The Forum hosts a wide range of discussions, including:

  • News & Announcements
  • Introductions
  • Stories from the Field
  • Research and Data
  • Exit Readiness: People, Processes, and Profit
  • Valuation and Financing
  • Advisor Corner
  • SMB Owner + Employee Corner
  • Financier Corner
  • …and much more!
20

What if I have issues with my Zolidar account or The Grid profile?

Please contact us with detailed information on your issue. Please be sure to include your account information to help us diagnose the issue, such as email addresses you may have used to login, the way you choose to login (i.e. via Google, LinkedIn or your email address), and your LinkedIn profile.

21

Can I talk to a real person for help with employee ownership, exit planning, or Zolidar products?

Yes! You can talk to real people for help. Here's how:

Contact Zolidar

Our team is here to help with technical support, product questions, employee ownership guidance, and exit planning. We can point you in the right direction and help you get started.

Ways to reach us:

  1. Book a Call: https://calendly.com/sk-zolidar-euea/zolidar-demo?hide_gdpr_banner=1 to speak directly with our team about employee ownership options, get a product demo, or discuss how Zolidar can help with your exit planning needs.
  2. Phone: +1 (650) 977-4744 - Calls go to voicemail, and we'll return your call. Please leave a detailed message with your name, contact information, and what you'd like to discuss.
  3. Contact form: Fill out the Get in touch form at zolidar.com/contact for general inquiries or feedback. It's also linked at the bottom of most storefront pages.

We can help with:

  1. Technical support and product questions
  2. Guidance on using Zolidar's tools (Day Zero Guide, Aha Planner, Zolid AI)
  3. General information about employee ownership and exit planning
  4. Product demos and onboarding help
  5. Connecting you with the right resources for your situation

Or Connect with Professionals in The Grid

If you want to explore working with advisors on your own, The Grid https://zolidar.com/grid is our community directory of professionals who specialize in employee ownership and business succession planning. You can browse profiles, search by expertise or location, and reach out to professionals directly.

Note: While Zolid AI can answer many questions immediately, it's an AI assistant, not a real person. For personalized guidance or complex situations, we recommend starting with our team—we can help determine the best path forward for your needs.