sweat equity

American  

noun

1. unreimbursed labor that results in the increased value of property or that is invested to establish or expand an enterprise.

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Etymology

Origin of sweat equity

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

What about startup firms that offer stock as “sweat equity” to employees in exchange for round-the-clock commitments?

From Los Angeles Times

While a lot of sweat equity went into building this first trail, design and construction are not free.

From Seattle Times

And it’s good for a lot of kids who have put in a lot of sweat equity for one school but have hit a roadblock for whatever reason and could excel in a different situation.

From Los Angeles Times

Pitt also said Jolie was not entitled to "unearned windfall profits" from the sale because she had stopped contributing to Chateau Miraval while Pitt "poured money and sweat equity" into the business.

From Reuters

After two years of fundraising, designing and sweat equity, the monument was dedicated this year on Memorial Day.

From Washington Post