A new grant fund is being established with a Tooting charity to help young entrepreneurs make their dreams reality.

Business Launchpad will be able to make grants of several hundred pounds to aspiring entrepreneurs with a good idea.

The money could cover everything from equipment for a first job to travel expenses and other items needed to start a business.

Caroline Odogwu, marketing manager of Business Launchpad, said: "We meet hundreds of 18 to 30-year-olds every year, many of them with excellent ideas for starting a business.

"However, it can be the case that they have no savings or access to capital and sometimes the absence of just a couple of hundred pounds can be the barrier that stops them launching."

Dan Watkins, Tooting’s prospective Parliamentary candidate, said: "Last year I held a youth enterprise summit in Tooting, with local charities and agencies working in this field to identify the issues preventing Wandsworth’s young people from finding a job or launching a business. Top of the list was the absence of any grant funding to help people get started.

"I pitched to charities I know in the Tooting area and I’m delighted that Bullough Tompson has agreed to support our project.

"It will make a real difference to disadvantaged young people in our area and it’s a great way to conclude this year’s very successful Wandsworth Enterprise Week."

For more information, visit businesslaunchpad.org.uk.