Ascension Health, Enterprising Health’s founding sponsor, is the largest Catholic and not-for-profit health system in the United States with operations in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Ascension Health operates more than 75 hospitals and clinics, including the St. John Providence Health System in metropolitan Detroit.

Ascension Health is dedicated to spiritually-centered, holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. Its mission is to serve all persons, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable.

Why Ascension Health is sponsoring the Enterprising Health initiative?
Ascension Health wants to discover new ways to improve the health of people struggling with health problems and access to health care. Ascension Health is looking for people who can develop businesses that develop new, innovative solutions that go beyond those offered by hospitals and clinics. Ascension Health's vision is to provide seed funding, along with other funders, to support selected businesses and stay involved in ways that are effective and beneficial to the businesses and the communities we they serve.

Why Ascension Health chose Detroit for Enterprising Health?
Of the 23 communities served by Ascension Health across the country, the Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park communities are among those facing significant health and economic challenges. Given the long-term challenges facing these communities, there is a strong need to find better ways to improve health. The Ascension Health ministry in Detroit, St. John Providence Health System, is willing and interested in using the Enterprising Health process to try to find solutions.

• A dedicated staff and expert network who will provide support during all phases of the program to promote entrepreneurial leadership and business development
• Office space and equipment for use during program participation
• Support for selected participants building prototypes and testing of business concepts
• Seed funding to support selected participants the initial launch or growth of health-related businesses

Ascension Health Community Partnerships
Ascension Health is inviting other corporate and community sponsors to partner with Enterprising Health to ensure its long-term innovation and transformational change success.

Ascension Health will also partner with community members and organizations in the designated communities to complement the Enterprising Health initiative, such as:

• Healthcare leaders who provide community health and disease management expertise
• Advisory Board members who support the initiative and advise its leaders
• Local business development advisors who provide support and advice to program participants
• Selection panel members who view team presentations and make recommendations to inform investment decisions

Ascension Health has engaged St. John Providence Health System, which has deep ties to the community, as a partner in implementing the Enterprising Health initiative.