In today’s competitive startup landscape, leveraging government funding and resources is not only a way to reduce costs, but also a key strategy to accelerate your brand’s global growth.
POPUPASIA® Background
POPUPASIA® is a leading creative platform in Asia that connects design, craftsmanship, and lifestyle industries, fostering cross-border collaboration and business opportunities. Through curated exhibitions, industry events, and content-driven initiatives, POPUPASIA® helps brands increase visibility while bridging creators with the market.
Its flagship event, the “Asia Handmade & Lifestyle Expo,” brings together creative brands and designers from across Asia, integrating exhibition, curation, and business matchmaking into a dynamic platform that drives the growth of the cultural and creative industries. In addition, POPUPASIA® continues to provide industry insights and resources, supporting entrepreneurs and brands in scaling and expanding internationally.
2026 Startup Resources Overview
Youth Entrepreneurship Grants, Overseas Exhibition Subsidies, Accelerators, Startup Loans:
- Taipei City Financing Loan Application Platform
- 2026 Brand Star Lab “Mentorship Program” (Application closed; opens annually—refer to official announcements)
- New Taipei City Government Exhibition Subsidy Program (2 application rounds in 2026)
- Kaohsiung Youth Bureau Startup Exhibition Subsidy Program (2026)
- Taichung Local SBIR Program (Expected application: May–June 2026)
- Taichung Incentive Program for MICE, Investment & Industry Development (2026)
- Changhua Youth Entrepreneurship Grant (Up to NTD 300,000)
- Yunlin Youth Entrepreneurship Grant (2026)
- Chiayi Creative Hub
- Hualien “Golden Jade Project” Talent Program
- TAICCA Cultural Startup Accelerator
- TAICCA Cultural Industry Startup & Transformation Loans
- Ministry of Culture Subsidy Platform
- IDDI Industrial Design-Driven Innovation Program
🧩 Subsidy Channel 1: Taipei City Department of Economic Development
Overseas Trade Promotion Subsidy for Business Associations and Companies
According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei has over 70,000 import/export companies, accounting for one-third of all businesses in the city.
To encourage participation in international exhibitions, Taipei launched the Overseas Trade Promotion Subsidy Program, providing financial support for exhibition participation to help companies expand globally and secure orders.
Application Info:
2024 Taipei Trade Promotion Subsidy Program (Mar 11 – Apr 30)
👉Good news:
Through the Global Exhibition Database System, entering the POPUPASIA® exhibition code allows subsidy applications.
🎉 Congratulations to brands that have successfully received subsidies:
Exhibition by San Ge Co., Ltd.
Read more ＞＞ “Cement Can Be Soft: Rediscovering Life Through Craft” –
5th POPUPASIA Awards Winner, CELEMENT LAB Soft Cement Studio
Exhibition by Meteor Creative Design Co., Ltd.
Read more ＞＞ “Connecting People Through Every Stitch” –
Interview with Littdlework Founder, Meteor
🧩 Subsidy Channel 2: Songshan Cultural & Creative Park
2026 Brand Star Lab “Mentorship Program”
(This year’s application has closed. The program is typically open annually—please refer to official announcements for the latest updates.)
In response to rapid market changes and increasing competition, cultural and creative brands must continuously adjust their strategies and strengthen their operational capabilities at every stage of development. This program is centered around “Professional Diagnosis × In-depth Mentorship”, helping brands assess their current status, identify key challenges, and develop practical solutions aligned with market trends.
Whether you are in the stage of brand expansion, business model optimization, or aiming to enhance the competitiveness of your content and services, this program provides tailored mentorship resources based on your needs—supporting steady growth and accelerating transformation.
We sincerely invite you to seize this opportunity and, through professional guidance, achieve your next breakthrough and move toward a more resilient and growth-oriented future.
｜Application Timeline｜
- Application Period:
From now until January 15, 2026 (Thursday)
- Initial Review:
Applicants who pass the document screening will be notified of the next stage
- Final Review:
Expected to take place in the second week of February 2026 (interviews/matching or site visits)
- Announcement of Results:
Selected applicants will be announced on the official website within one week after the final review
🧩 Startup Subsidy Channel 3 – New Taipei City Department of Economic Development
Exhibition Subsidy Details: New Taipei City Government Exhibition Subsidy Program
To respond to the global market and encourage businesses to expand internationally, the New Taipei City Government supports companies and industry associations in participating in domestic and international exhibitions. The program aims to help businesses secure orders, increase market share, and strengthen New Taipei’s industrial image and trade competitiveness.
Both physical and online international exhibition participation are eligible for subsidies, helping boost international sales performance while also promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s economic empowerment.
📅 Application Timeline (Two Rounds):
- Round 1: Dec 1, 2025 – Mar 13, 2026
- Round 2: Jun 1 – Jul 31, 2026
💰 Subsidy Details:
- Covers both domestic & international physical exhibitions and online international exhibitions
- Maximum subsidy rate: up to 50%
- Domestic exhibitions:
- Individual applicants: up to NTD 20,000
- Group participation: up to NTD 40,000 per company
- International exhibitions:
- Individual applicants: up to NTD 40,000
- Group participation: up to NTD 80,000 per company
- Online international exhibitions:
- Up to NTD 20,000
👥 Eligible Applicants:
Companies, businesses, factories, or industry associations registered in New Taipei City
✨ Congratulations to brands that have received approved subsidies
🧩 Startup Subsidy Channel 4 – Kaohsiung City Youth Bureau Startup Exhibition Support Program
Exhibition Subsidy Details: Kaohsiung Youth Bureau Startup Exhibition Subsidy Program
To support young entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses and entering broader markets, the Kaohsiung City Government Youth Bureau provides exhibition subsidies for startups. The program encourages participation in both domestic and international exhibitions, helping brands increase exposure, explore new markets, and strengthen business opportunities.
💰 Funding Amount:
- Domestic exhibitions:
- Up to NTD 30,000
- International exhibitions (Asia):
- Up to NTD 60,000
- International exhibitions (outside Asia):
- Up to NTD 90,000
🧩 Entrepreneurship Subsidy Channel 5: Changhua Youth Entrepreneurship Subsidy
Startup Dream Category
Changhua County Government Subsidy Guidelines for Encouraging Youth to Leverage Local Resources for Entrepreneurship and Cultural Participation
Exhibition Subsidy Details:
- Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be youth aged 18 to 45 who are registered residents of Changhua County, and have completed at least 30 hours of in-person entrepreneurship training courses within the past 3 years prior to the application date.
🧩 Entrepreneurship Subsidy Channel 6: Hualien Talent Subsidy
The Hualien County Cultural Affairs Bureau has launched the “Golden Jade Design Lab” Training Program to innovate the local jade industry by integrating design applications. This initiative encourages creators across Taiwan who work with gemstone materials to utilize Hualien jade in jewelry design.
📌 Program Highlights:
- A total of 8 participants will be selected
- Emphasis on design thinking, collaborative discussion, and hands-on production throughout the full creative process
- Participants who successfully complete the program will receive:
- NTD 20,000 (design稿費)
- NTD 80,000 (creation費)
📅 Application Period:
From now until May 20, 2024
✨ Designers and creators are warmly invited to apply and participate!
🧩 Entrepreneurship Subsidy Channel 7: Cultural Content Accelerator (TAICCA)
The Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) has launched the “Cultural Entrepreneurship Accelerator” program to recruit startup teams with strong innovation, content capability, and technological strength.
📌 Program Support Includes:
- Entrepreneurship and business operation courses
- Proposal training workshops
- Professional consulting
- Community networking opportunities
- Demo Day for investor matching
This program helps startup teams develop industry-oriented thinking, strengthen independent business operations, and improve their ability to pitch and connect with investors.
💰 Dedicated Funding for Cultural & Creative Industries
TAICCA also provides specialized loan programs:
- Cultural & Creative Youth Entrepreneurship Loan
- Cultural & Creative Industry Upgrade & Transformation Loan
📌 Why This Matters:
Many cultural and creative entrepreneurs face challenges such as:
- Difficulty communicating with banks unfamiliar with the industry
- Uncertainty about how to apply for startup funding
👉 These TAICCA loan programs are specifically designed to address those pain points and provide accessible financial support tailored to the cultural and creative sector.
🤝 Want More Brand Stories?
Join POPPASS—our B2B platform connecting you with authentic, creative brands from across Asia. Explore exhibitor profiles, start collaborations, and be part of the POPUPASIA® network.
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