A Greenwich entrepreneur who transformed her own life and the lives of others by starting a community care business is encouraging others to do the same through the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Community Micro-Enterprise Programme.
Banke, founder of Sacred Heart Healthcare, didn’t always work in care. Originally trained as a lawyer, she later worked on NHS projects before realising she wanted a career where she could make a more direct difference to people’s lives.
She retrained as a mental health nurse before taking another leap – starting her own business to provide personalised care and support for people in her local community.
Her motivation was deeply personal. Having spent time in care herself, Banke wanted to give something back to Greenwich, the borough that supported her when she needed it most.
Today, Sacred Heart Healthcare supports residents across Greenwich and Kent, employs a team of five people, and delivers personalised care that helps people live independently and with dignity in their own homes.
As the business has grown, Banke has continued to receive support through the programme. Most recently, her business has received funding to explore becoming a co-operative, a model where people work together, share responsibility and have a greater say in how the organisation is run.
For Banke, it’s an opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable business that continues to put people, community, and quality care at its heart. Her journey shows that the Community Micro-Enterprise Programme doesn’t just help people start businesses, but it also continues to support local entrepreneurs as they grow, adapt, and develop new ideas.
Banke Agbaje, Founder and Registered Manager of Sacred Heart Healthcare said: “I wanted to create something that moved away from traditional task-driven care towards care that is more personal, flexible, compassionate and truly centred around each individual and the relationships that matter most to them.”
“Starting my own business wasn’t always easy, but the support I received gave me the confidence to grow. If you have a passion for helping people, don’t underestimate what you can achieve.”
Banke is one of the entrepreneurs supported through the council’s Community Micro-Enterprise Programme, delivered in partnership with Community Catalysts.
The free programme helps residents turn ideas into sustainable businesses by offering advice, mentoring and practical guidance on everything from regulation and training to insurance and business development.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Communities said:
“Banke’s story shows what’s possible when local people are supported to turn their passion and experience into something that benefits their community. Community micro-enterprises provide personalised, flexible support that helps people live independently while creating local jobs and stronger neighbourhoods.”
“This is exactly the kind of community-led approach at the heart of our new Health and Adult Services Vision 2026–2031. We want to help people stay well, live independently for longer and have greater choice and control over the support they receive.”
“It’s fantastic to see Sacred Heart Healthcare continue to grow through the programme and explore becoming a co-operative. Co-operatives put people and communities at the centre, encouraging collaboration and shared responsibility, and reflect the ambitions of the Co-operative Commission to improve health and wellbeing through more community-led organisations. We want to work with more organisations that share these values, so if you have an idea that could make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.”
From Monday to Thursday this week, Banke is taking over the council's social media channels to share her story, what she has learnt along the way, and how the Community Micro-Enterprise Programme has supported her journey. Make sure to tune in!
Whether you’re already supporting people, considering a career change, or have an idea that could improve life in your community, the Community Micro-Enterprise Programme can help you explore what’s possible.
For more information or to register your interest, email community.micro.enterprise@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or visit the Council’s website.
To discover the types of support these enterprises offer, browse Greenwich’s Small Good Stuff page.