Tim Busche, MBA and Kelley Smith, RN, MPH knew they wanted to build a distinctly unique type of business. Frustrated with the mediocre results and negative cultures they’d experienced in corporate America, they set out to leverage their respective backgrounds and create a marketing and PR agency uniquely designed to overcome communication issues inherent in the US healthcare system.

Armed with this vision and $2,000 in cash, they formed Envision Health, which was centered on a positive culture offering work-life balance for employees as they supported clients striving to improve the business and delivery of healthcare. Tim and Kelley knew they’d need guidance and support from experts skilled in helping small businesses thrive, and turned to the Michigan Small Business Development Center (Michigan SDDC).

“First and foremost, we set out to create a business that made a difference for our healthcare clients. And, the Michigan SBDC validated this vision and focus and helped us quickly expand from a boutique business to a national brand trusted by organizations the healthcare continuum,” said Tim.

Envision Health has stoked the local economy, creating 40+ white collar jobs, with roughly 60 percent of the remote workforce based in Michigan. “We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Envision Health. They’ve taken full advantage of the full wide array of resources we offer. They listened to our team of business consultants and we’ve witnessed the results as their business continues to grow,” said Michigan SBDC Growth Team Manager Jim McLain.

Over the past two years, Envision Health has witnessed remarkable organic growth in response to the surging demand for agencies with a profound understanding of the healthcare landscape. Since its founding in 2014, Envision Health has not only established itself as a marketing and PR leader within Michigan’s burgeoning health innovation sector but also nationally, attracting clients across the payer, provider, government and life science markets. The agency’s  contributions on behalf of clients have also been recognized both locally and nationally, across a number of marketing initiatives, including integrated digital campaigns, content development and patient-focused web design. Last year, Envision Health was named a Best Small Business by the Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) and in 2020, earned a coveted spot on the State of Michigan’s Top 50 Companies to Watch, which recognizes growing Michigan entrepreneurs supporting the state’s economy.

Envision Health extends its commitment to the community through its charitable work with two Ann Arbor non-profits, the Home of New Vision and Dawn Farms, offering treatment, recovery support and behavioral health services. Envision regularly supports the NAACP, numerous causes for Michigan Nurses and the American Cancer Society. In addition, Kelley runs the charity Allie’s Angels supporting children suffering from severe and life-threatening health issues.

At each step along the way, the Michigan SBDC has provided strategic advice and counsel which has helped to spur continuous growth grounded in the core values and principles taught in Focus Four™, a structured program designed to help small businesses integrate and align the four pillars of business success.

According to Kelley, “From strategic advice to nuts-and-bolts operational best practices, the Michigan SBDC has been a true partner in our success.”