According to the National Center for Employee Ownership, more than 6,000 businesses across the country are employee-owned. In Michigan, there are two large employee-owned companies  (McNaughton-McKay Electric Company and Challenge Manufacturing Company).

Roy Messing wants to see that number grow. He’s the Executive Director of the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership. Earlier this month, the state announced a $500,000 pilot program aimed at expanding employee ownership in Michigan. The Michigan Center for Employee Ownership will work with the state labor department to help more businesses transition to employee ownership