When Anu Banks first sat down with WellSpan leaders, he was not walking in with a polished business plan or years of entrepreneurship behind him. What he had was an open mind, a willingness to seize opportunity and a desire to build something meaningful. 

That conversation turned into much more than an idea. With guidance and partnership from WellSpan, Anu launched his small businesses: Banks Housekeeping Management.  

Now, four years later, his business is thriving, creating jobs and opening doors not only for Anu but for others in the York community. 

“It really started with opportunity,” Anu said. “They showed me what was needed and made the process clear. It was never overly complicated. They helped remove barriers that usually stop people from even trying.” 

Investing in local businesses 

Supporting local businesses is a critical part of WellSpan’s commitment to the communities it serves. By working directly with small and diverse vendors, WellSpan helps create economic stability while ensuring high-quality services across the health system. 

For Anu, that support went far beyond signing a contract. WellSpan teams walked him through expectations, helped him understand required insurance and vendor registration and served as partners along the way. 

“They didn’t just help me start a business,” Anu said. “They helped me understand what it takes to run one.” 

Once everything was in place, the work flowed naturally. Today, Anu’s cleaning business provides services for WellSpan. 

Anu Banks posing with some of his cleaning products, reflecting on the start of his business ventures. 

Creating opportunity and stability 

The impact of that initial opportunity continues to grow. Anu now employs multiple people and has expanded into additional business ventures, including a car rental business he was able to launch because of the financial stability his work with WellSpan provided. 

“They quite literally helped change my life,” he said. “That opportunity pulled me past the ceiling of just getting by. It allowed me to build, to invest and to help others do the same.” 

As a York native and WellSpan patient, Anu takes pride in seeing a local organization invest back into the community in such a tangible way. 

“It showed me that WellSpan really is willing to invest in people right here,” he said. “Sometimes all it takes is a conversation.” 

Encouraging others to take the first step 

Anu now shares what he learned with others who are interested in starting a business. His advice is simple. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask,” he said. “The worst you can hear is no. You don’t know what doors might open if you just start the conversation.” 

That philosophy is at the heart of WellSpan’s ongoing efforts to connect with local entrepreneurs and small businesses. By creating access, providing clarity and building relationships, WellSpan continues to strengthen the communities it serves while helping local businesses grow and succeed. 

WellSpan Health, in partnership with the City of York and the York County Economic Alliance, is hosting an event to help local small business owners to learn more about opportunities to do business with WellSpan in York. Through this event on June 22, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at WellSpan Park, WellSpan aims to help empower small businesses to grow, understand the procurement process and explore opportunities to become vendors for future work at WellSpan.  

If you are interested in attending the event, please register today here.