- Contact: Chen Ching-chu, News Section
- Telephone: 559828
- Publication Date: August 6, 2025, 15:07
Over the past three years, the Miaoli County Government has partnered with academic and industry groups to select and support ten outstanding youth entrepreneurship brands each year, encouraging young people to think boldly and showcase their creativity. On August 6, the County Government officially launched the 2025 “Alley Trends – Young Select” Youth Entrepreneurship Selection Program, inviting young entrepreneurs from Miaoli to pursue their dreams confidently. County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin emphasized that the government aims to be not only a strong supporter for young people but also a motivating force in helping them realize their dreams. He also welcomed contestants to exercise their creativity in designing souvenirs for government use, working together to create a fresh image for local youth brands.
Organized by the Labor and Youth Development Department, the program’s launch ceremony was held in the A201 conference room. Magistrate Chung was joined by Taoyuan–Hsinchu–Miaoli Regional Director-General of the Workforce Development Agency Lai Chia-jen, Yu Da University of Science and Technology Vice President Lung Ching-yung, local elected representatives, and heads of various labor and trade associations. The event featured a colorful balloon release to mark the official start, with this year’s theme centered on “Youth Innovative Products.” The venue also showcased the achievements of past award-winning brands, including Maoli Village Handmade Cuisine, Chosen Tea, and King Triomphe, highlighting the strength and continuity of youth entrepreneurship in Miaoli.
Labor and Youth Development Department Commissioner Wang Hao-chung explained that the selection is open to youth aged 18 to 45 registered in Miaoli County or operating a business there, with no restrictions on industry. Applications are accepted until September 14. After preliminary and final judging, the top ten youth entrepreneurial products will be named. This year, prize amounts have been increased, with NT$50,000, NT$30,000, and NT$20,000 awarded to the gold, silver, and bronze winners respectively, along with three corporate awards of NT$10,000 each and four merit awards. Winning products will also gain exposure at major events, boosting both brand recognition and sales.
Lai Chia-jen praised the county government as one of the few in Taiwan to have a dedicated youth affairs department, helping young entrepreneurs navigate the path to success and share their creative products with a broader audience. He acknowledged the challenges of starting a business, from securing resources to marketing and brand-building, and encouraged youth to utilize available resources, including the branch’s NT$2 million youth loan program and two-year interest subsidies.
Magistrate Chung expressed gratitude to the Workforce Development Agency, trade associations, labor unions, and elected representatives for their ongoing support of the program. “Dreams are beautiful—who knows when they might come true?” he said, adding that the county government plans to allocate a budget next year to subsidize interest on youth business loans, easing financial burdens and making it easier for young people to start and develop their ventures, turning entrepreneurship from a difficult challenge into a sustainable effort opportunity.
Chung also announced that award-winning youth brands will receive priority space to showcase and sell their products at major events, such as the Sand Sculpture Arts Festival, which is expected to draw over 500,000 visitors this year. He highlighted that integrating tourism, agriculture, and youth entrepreneurship—leveraging Miaoli’s 50-kilometer coastal tourism corridor—offers limitless potential. Key attractions like the Railway Museum, the Old Mountain Line Rail Bike, and Span Outdoor will serve as prime venues for promoting youth products.
Additionally, Chung presented a plan to create an underground shopping street. Once the new Miaoli County Main Library is finished, the existing library building, Culture and Tourism Bureau offices, and nearby Zhongzheng Hall could be repurposed for the project. Above ground, the area would include a park, retail stores, and offices, enhancing the popular Railway Museum and boosting economic activity in the city center.