Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy Loosens Application Requirements Again for 2026: Open for Applications from Now Until February 26
The Yunlin County Government held a press conference today to announce the lowered application criteria for the Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy in 2026. Applications are open now through February 26. (Photo by Zhou Lilan)
Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy Lowers Application Requirements Again for 2026: Open for Applications Until February 26
Yunnan Wind Power Company has donated to the Yunlin County Government to establish the Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy, with application requirements further relaxed for 2026. Initially, applicants were required to provide a skill certification or academic credits. However, recognizing the challenges faced by diverse young entrepreneurs in obtaining certifications, the county government has invited renowned entrepreneurship mentor Yu Rui-Ming to design a 32-hour "Entrepreneurship Skills Course". Completion of the course and passing the exam will fulfill the "skills" qualification requirement. Applications for the subsidy are open from now until February 26.
Launched in 2022, the Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy targets youth aged 20 to 35, registered in Yunlin County, and within three years of starting a business. The program offers subsidies of up to 300,000 TWD for micro-businesses and up to 2 million TWD for project-based businesses.
Many young applicants found the original criteria too high, and the subsidy amounts insufficient. In response, the county government has raised the age limit to 40 and increased the subsidy amounts to 500,000 TWD for micro-businesses and 3 million TWD for project-based businesses. So far, the program has provided 9.6 million TWD in subsidies, helping 43 young entrepreneurs with a success rate of over 90%. However, many still find it difficult to obtain the required skill certification.
Zhang Shi-Chung, Director of the Labor and Youth Bureau, explained that about one in five applicants could not provide the necessary skill qualifications. As a result, this year, for the first time, the county is offering the “Entrepreneurship Skills Course”, taught by mentor Yu Rui-Ming, covering 32 hours of intensive training. Those who attend at least 80% of the sessions and pass the exam will earn the required skills qualification. The course started on January 17 and will be offered in three sessions.
Additionally, this year, the county has also relaxed the criteria to allow companies established within the past 5 years to apply. The county government has also introduced the "Youth Entrepreneurship Exhibition Subsidy Program", which uses an immediate submission and review process, offering a maximum subsidy of 100,000 TWD to encourage entrepreneurs to promote their businesses and gain exposure.
Zhang Jia-Ming and His Wife from Dapi Township Transform Organic Rice into Rice Snacks with the Help of Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy
(Photo by Zhou Lilan)
Yunlin County Mayor Chang Li-Shan emphasized that, in addition to funding, the cultivation of entrepreneurial skills is equally important. Solid business and management abilities form the foundation for successful entrepreneurship. Therefore, after receiving the youth entrepreneurship subsidy, the county government arranges continued mentorship through the YunTech Incubation Center, offering “companionship-style” and “nurturing-style” guidance.
The 2026 Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy application period is now open and will close on February 16. Applicants can find information on the application process and available courses on the Labor and Youth Bureau’s website. In-person information sessions will be held on January 16 in Huwei, January 20 in Beigang, and January 26 in Douliu City. Additionally, an online live briefing will be held on the Yunlin County Government Labor and Youth Bureau Facebook page on February 3.
The Labor and Youth Bureau also added that those wishing to attend the information sessions can register through the “Yunqing YouGO Station”. Application documents for the 2026 Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy can be downloaded from the “Yunqing Entrepreneurship Fund Station” in the latest news section or by calling the Youth Entrepreneurship Hotline at 05-534-5080.
※The above is an AI-generated translation and may not be 100% accurate. For reference only — please double-check any important details.
