LOCAL businesses can now apply for grants to upgrade their broadband facilities in Dorset.

The grants are being made available by West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council.

All small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in eligible postcodes throughout Dorset can now apply for Broadband Connection Vouchers.

The vouchers are valued at between £100 and £3,000 per business and available on a first come first served basis.

Prospective applicants can check their eligibility at www.connectionvouchers.co.uk.

Nick Thornley, the council's head of economy, leisure & tourism, said: "We want as many local businesses as possible to benefit from the grants available.

"Significant investment has been put together to improve broadband infrastructure across the county.

"This is a great opportunity for businesses to take advantage and to modernise their operations."

Businesses had the opportunity to utilise better communications in order to grow and access new markets, said Mr Thornley.

Modernising broadband operations would also help equip businesses for future digital challenges.

The scheme, which is administered by the Superfast Dorset project, runs for one year from 1 April.

Matthew Piles, head of economy at Dorset County Council said: "We want at least 500 Dorset businesses to benefit from this really exciting opportunity."

Faster, more reliable broadband provided many benefits to businesses, he added

A better connection helped businesses reach more customers and be competitive on a global scale, allowing staff to work more flexibly and communicate and collaborate more effectively and share data.