A YOUNG entrepreneur’s business dream has been kept alive by Bradford’s crowdfunding community who stepped in to provide the cash she needed in only 24 hours.

Beth Whitaker, 22, opened the Its A Trap comic shop in Market Street last year but after a promising start hit cash-flow problems when sales dipped after Christmas.

That left her unable to order fresh stock from America and the future looked bleak until she followed a friend’s suggestion to appeal for help through crowdfunding.

She appealed for £600 and found the target met within 24 hours, including three supporters who each put £100 of their own money into the business. It was started by Beth, a comic book and gaming enthusiast, after she was made redundant following an apprenticeship.

“I didn’t think I would get much response but within 24 hours I had reached the £600 target,” she said.

“I got into comics a couple of years ago, but the closest shop was in Leeds and I just wanted to spread my love of comics in Bradford.

“Crowd funding has been a great financial help, but also an emotional help, knowing how much the community is behind the shop,” she said.

Those offering help get perks, ranging from a handwritten thank you note to a party held on their behalf in the shop in return for their support.