Back in 2020, just as the first lockdown was announced, Clare started on a Community Business Trade Up (CBTU) programme along with eight other Hampshire community businesses. The programme helps early-stage community businesses throughout England to become stronger and more sustainable by building income from trading, improving business and leadership skills. Whilst October Books wasn’t a new business the community space and hire aspect of the business was something that was new to us. It was this aspect of the business that the fund wanted to support.