State Center Grants

EOX is funding transformative work across the EOX Network

$1.18 Million

deployed to State Centers

as of February 2026

Strengthening the State Center Network through direct financial support

$965K

  • Capacity Building

    At least $65K has been granted to every EOX-incubated State Center for Employee Ownership within the EOX Network. Each of these thirteen (13) State Centers have the opportunity to receive additional capacity grant funding in 2026 & 2027.


    EOX capacity grants are designed to assist incubated State Centers with funds for operations, primarily to hire full and/or part-time staff.

$168.5K

  • Project Grants

    EOX has awarded project-specific grants to 10 State Centers, funding bold, community-focused initiatives designed to engage business owners and spark new pathways to employee ownership. These projects not only deepen local relationships and expand access to EO education—they’re also building tools, resources, and innovations that will benefit the entire State Center Network and the broader EO ecosystem. Nearly 70% of the work funded will create shared value far beyond state lines.


    READ MORE >

$49.5K

  • Storytelling

    EOX is committed to amplifying the transformative work happening across the State Center Network, which is best illustrated through the powerful stories of business owners and employee-owners whose lives and communities are changed through employee ownership.


    Our storytelling grants surface the moments that matter—capturing the real-world impact of employee ownership and turning it into awareness that resonates. These stories are central to our mission. They don’t just inspire; they clarify, connect, and compel others to see what’s possible when ownership is shared.

We’re not just advocating for employee ownership—we’re investing in it. Through our STATE BY STATE campaign, EOX has allocated $3.54 million to directly fund the growth and impact of our State Center Network, largely through initiatives like the EOX Grant Program. Each grant is tied to at least one of our core Ownership Accelerators, ensuring that every dollar fuels strategic, high-impact work: strengthening State Centers, expanding business outreach, and supporting real transitions to employee ownership. The result? More locally owned businesses, more jobs kept in communities, and more wealth in the hands of working people. This is how we turn mission into momentum.

Watch these stories before you scroll.

REAL STORIES

About the REAL Impact of Employee Ownership Across America

These EO success stories are brought to you by the EOX State Center Grant Program

🌱 From Grants to Growth

State Centers are turning capacity grants into ACTION

By Kyle Harshey January 9, 2026
The Florida Center for Employee Ownership (FLCEO) hires its first Director, Tom Verbos. EOX welcomes Tom to the State Center Network
By Kyle Harshey October 30, 2025
Meet Julie Leonhardt, Executive Director of the Missouri Center for Employee Ownership | MOCEO
By Kyle Harshey August 27, 2025
Meet Robin Lamott Sparks, Director of Outreach & Administration for the Connecticut Center for Employee Ownership (CTCEO)
By Kyle Harshey August 25, 2025
Meet Prudence A. Ross, Director of Outreach & Administration for the West Virginia Center for Employee Ownership (WVCEO)
Show More

Supporting the State Center Network is core to EOX’s strategy. We are so proud to see some of the newest State Centers securing the stability and leadership they need to serve business owners, build relationships, and cultivate deep and lasting connections in their regions.

🔋 Project Power

Read how EOX is funding project grants that empower State Centers to engage local business communities.

By Kyle Harshey February 27, 2026
Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) are getting more attention, and the RMEOC set out to answer some of the frequent questions from the state and local level.
a picture of a power grid, with text and the TNCEO logo
By Kyle Harshey February 27, 2026
Amidst transition, TNCEO used its EOX project grant rebuild trust in the TN ecosystem with high-quality events that delivered value and reconnected key players.
an image of a printing machine actively printing paper with text and the OEOC logo
By Kyle Harshey February 27, 2026
The OEOC has long used the EOX project grant to update and expand their "Selling Your Company..." book — and then turned it into a shared asset for the network.
Image of salmon migrating upstream with writing and VEOC logo
By Kyle Harshey February 27, 2026
The VEOC uses EOX project grant to focus on a gap many of us see every day: business owners wait too long to think seriously about succession.
A podcast microphone with text and the MNCEO logo
By Kyle Harshey February 27, 2026
The MNCEO used its project grant to build narrative infrastructure — the Worker Co-op Podcast, a platform for worker-owners, practitioners, and ecosystem partners to tell their own stories.
a highway on ramp at sunset with text and the ILCEO logo
By Kyle Harshey February 26, 2026
The Illinois Center uses EOX project grant to design a business training program that meets owners where they are: focused on performance, people, and profitability.
Yellow surface with various tools displayed, and text with NCEOC logo
By Kyle Harshey February 26, 2026
The North Carolina Employee Ownership Center (NCEOC) templatizes its successful Ambassador Program equipping advisors and advocates to bring EO into their own work.
Two hands sewing leather together with text and the TXCEO logo
By Kyle Harshey February 26, 2026
TXCEO uses EOX project grant to run a set of strategic events, bringing together ESOP, co-op, and EOT stakeholders who don’t always end up in the same room.

MORE PROJECT GRANT UPDATES ARE ON THE WAY



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