Frank Li | Offering shares to employees can be the way to go

In the latest instalment of the Globe and Mail's Challenge series, a growing aquaponics firm is trying to find a way to compensate their volunteer employees.

Ivey finance professor Frank Li offers advice to Aqua Green, a company growing fresh produce using an innovative aquaponic method. He suggests the company may want to consider offering shares to those who currently work for free.

"They should consider compensating employees – especially the key personnel – with 'shares.' All the employees share a portion of the profit. The exact portion depends on the valuation of the business and contribution of the employee."