Helping nonprofit organizations to use the tools of effective communications to shape beliefs and inspire action has been the driving mission behind Big Duck since its founding in 1994. Big Duck works to help nonprofits increase their visibility, raise money, and communicate more effectively. Now a diverse and talented team of 15, Big Duck approached the Fund for Jobs Worth Owning in 2021 for financing to help transition the company to employee ownership.

With a strong revenue history, solid balance sheet and little debt, the company had much going for it.  But as a branding and communications firm, there was little in the way of conventional business collateral; securing financing from a traditional lender would be difficult. Instead, FJWO worked with a fellow CDFI to craft a financing solution. Technical assistance provided by FJWO’s affiliate the ICA Group has helped the Big Duck workers— who are 90% women or non-binary—ready themselves to take on the responsibilities of business ownership. All 15 current workers have signed on to be part of the new cooperative, and Big Duck’s founder is confident that the business she built, and the clients who rely on it, are in excellent hands.  

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