Commercial Weekly Association: Building a Platform for Taiwanese Businesses to Accelerate Growth of High-Potential Enterprises, Encouraging SMEs to Compete Globally

To strengthen brand development, market expansion, and sustainable operations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Commercial Weekly Association hosted the award ceremony for the '8th Golden Brand Award' today (13). A jury composed of industry, government, and academic experts selected 33 outstanding enterprise brands from around the world. Hsu Shu-po, Chairman of the Commercial Weekly Association, stated that this year's awardees are not only being recognized for excellence, but the association will also provide tangible resources in finance, investment, and capital markets, integrating the global network of Taiwanese businesses to build a cooperative platform. This initiative aims to further assist Taiwan's SMEs in expanding into overseas markets and enhancing their international competitiveness.

According to data provided by the association, 64 companies applied for the 2026 Golden Brand Award, with only about half—33 companies—ultimately receiving the honor. The awardees were distributed across four categories: Green Sustainability (6 companies), International Expansion Potential (5), Service Innovation (19), and Overseas Overseas Chinese-Taiwanese Businesses (3).

Speaking at the event, Chairman Hsu noted that this marks the eighth consecutive year the association has hosted the Golden Brand Award. He explained that the purpose extends beyond mere recognition—he emphasized his role as both an industry representative and association chairman, having witnessed many excellent SMEs struggle due to lack of funding and investment opportunities. Over the years, the association has collaborated with key institutions such as the National Development Fund, the SME Credit Guarantee Fund, and the GreTai Securities Market (GTSM) to help awardees secure financing, investment, and guidance for listing on public markets.

Hsu highlighted that the SME Credit Guarantee Fund has already increased its guaranteed loan limit to NT$150 million, expressing hope that this would accelerate the growth of promising Taiwanese enterprises.

Additionally, Hsu reiterated that in 2026, the association plans to actively integrate the global network of Taiwanese businesses, connecting overseas chambers of Taiwanese entrepreneurs across six continents to establish a collaborative platform for overseas Chinese-Taiwanese businesses. By leveraging the long-established human networks, industrial experience, and market infrastructure accumulated by Taiwanese entrepreneurs worldwide, the association aims to help awardees understand local market demands, lower barriers to international expansion, and accelerate the global entry of Taiwanese brands. This effort seeks to open new pathways for SMEs and promote two-way economic and trade development between Taiwan and international markets.

This year’s selection process featured distinct evaluation criteria for each category: the 'Green Sustainability' group focused on improving energy or resource efficiency to reduce environmental impact; the 'International Expansion Potential' group evaluated business models and products with strong licensing or agency potential abroad; the 'Service Innovation' group recognized breakthroughs achieved through cross-industry integration and innovative applications; and the 'Overseas Chinese-Taiwanese Business' group spotlighted high-performing overseas enterprises whose brands have demonstrated influence and achievements in their local markets—collectively showcasing the diverse innovation and brand strength of Taiwanese enterprises.

The Commercial Weekly Association also stated that it will continue guiding awardees to link with overseas chamber organizations, using government resources as a solid foundation. As brands develop internationally, the association aims to amplify Taiwan’s capabilities and cultivate a 'Brand In Taiwan' (BIT) model, transforming Taiwan’s industries into a globally competitive 'protective mountain range' of national champions.