Young people in Dorset from disadvantaged backgrounds are to have a helping hand to start their own business.

Grants of up to £2,000 are now available through Dorset Community Foundation’s South West Enterprise Fund.

The foundation has partnered with Nick Robinson and Giles Smallwood to launch the fund, which offers young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 the grants to help with buying stock or equipment or pay business-related rent or bills. Applicants, who must live in Dorset and either be about to start a business within six months or have been trading for less than two years, have to present a business plan and answer questions about their ambitions at an interview.

Mr Robinson approached the community foundation with the idea after he realised that although there is a lot of support and advice for young people trying to launch their first venture, there is virtually nowhere to get the cash injection they often need.

He said: “We’ve both set up businesses and I set up a business when I was almost 30 and had saved up to prepare for that. That gave us the confidence to start the business and enabled us to buy the kit we needed. We are not looking to support the next genius healthcare app, we just want to support young people who are setting up straightforward businesses or to help them buy a piece of equipment.”

The fund has already supported a number of businesses, including 24-year-old artist Lucy Burns who received a grant to boost her sustainable ceramics business.

Dorset Community Foundation director Grant Robson said: “Nick had a very specific ambition and we were able to help him translate that into something that is really paying dividends.

“We’re very proud that Nick and Giles have entrusted us with this fund.”

The South West Enterprise Fund is open for applications. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant/grants-for-individuals.