⭐Lunch & Learn: Transitioning Your Business to Employee Ownership

Description

Our Lead Speaker for this week's Lunch & Learn is Turner Wyatt. Turner Wyatt is an entrepreneur and CEO with deep experience in platform growth and capital allocation. As founder and CEO of Upcycled Food Association, he built the organization into a global movement, launched the world’s first upcycled food certification program, and led multiple fundraising efforts and a multi-million dollar budget. Before founding SmallCapital, Turner launched four successful organizations focused on solving systemic challenges. At SmallCapital, he developed a strong deal pipeline and secured funding for two pilot transactions in 2024, advancing the firm’s approach to business succession and employee ownership. Turner has been recognized as a Top 20 Emerging Leader, a 40 Under 40 honoree, and a Fink Fellow.

Most small business owners have the majority of their wealth tied up in the business, so when it comes time to retire, they often face the challenging, exciting, and mysterious process of selling. The two biggest factors for owners tend to be the price, and the employees. Small business owners are accomplishing both of these by selling their companies to their employees, gaining market rate liquidity, while protecting their business, employees, and legacy for the long term.

This “Lunch and Learn” will be packed with practical ways you can get involved right away! Key takeaways:

• What are the benefits of employee ownership relative to a private buyer?
• What are the local tax benefits available to owners who sell to their employees?
• Who have the local success stories of profitably selling to their employees? 

Featuring Guest Speaker John Shaw:

John's been the lead designer/installer on hundreds of systems for Shaw Solar, but most enjoys building relationships with his clients and working to find the right solutions for them. He's a Master Electrician and a NABCEP Certified PV Installer. When not installing solar, John might be found in the Silverton backcountry, rafting, and spending time with his two little girls.

Featuring Guest Speaker Jamie Finney

Jamie Finney is an experienced fund manager and capital innovator with a strong track record of building investment funds. As co-founder of Greater Colorado Venture Fund, he helped raise and deploy $44.5M across two funds supporting 29 startups. He also co-founded Kokopelli Capital, Colorado’s first pre-seed venture fund, focused on underserved markets. At SmallCapital, Jamie leads financial modeling and deal structuring, bringing deep expertise in fund management, investment strategy, and employee ownership transitions.

Thank you TBK Bank for making this event possible.

Refunds are available through the Friday before the event. After that date, no refunds will be issued, but registrations may be transferred to another attendee.