Public hearing to feature testimony from worker-owners, legislators, and small business leaders on preserving local businesses through employee ownership
WHAT:
The Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies will hold a public hearing on the Opportunity to Own bill (S305 / H503) -- legislation designed to make it easier for workers to purchase businesses when they are put up for sale. The bill promotes employee ownership as a strategy to retain local jobs, strengthen small businesses, and build community wealth across the Commonwealth.
WHEN:
Thursday, June 6, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE:
Massachusetts State House, Room A-2, Boston, MA
DETAILS:
The Opportunity to Own bill proposes a proactive set of policies — including financial assistance, technical support, and a right of first refusal — to help employees buy businesses during times of ownership transition. With thousands of small businesses in Massachusetts facing closure or acquisition by outside investors due to retirements and economic instability, the bill offers a path to preserve jobs and keep wealth rooted in local communities. Worker-owners, legislators, small business leaders and advocates will provide testimony in support of the legislation, urging the committee to take bold action to grow a more equitable, resilient economy.
The Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies will hold a public hearing on the Opportunity to Own bill (S305 / H503) -- legislation designed to make it easier for workers to purchase businesses when they are put up for sale. The bill promotes employee ownership as a strategy to retain local jobs, strengthen small businesses, and build community wealth across the Commonwealth.
WHEN:
Thursday, June 6, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE:
Massachusetts State House, Room A-2, Boston, MA
DETAILS:
The Opportunity to Own bill proposes a proactive set of policies — including financial assistance, technical support, and a right of first refusal — to help employees buy businesses during times of ownership transition. With thousands of small businesses in Massachusetts facing closure or acquisition by outside investors due to retirements and economic instability, the bill offers a path to preserve jobs and keep wealth rooted in local communities. Worker-owners, legislators, small business leaders and advocates will provide testimony in support of the legislation, urging the committee to take bold action to grow a more equitable, resilient economy.
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The Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power (COWOP) is a statewide network that brings together worker-owned businesses and developers, grassroots organizations and labor unions, and funders and investors to advance the worker ownership movement across Massachusetts.
