Kaohsiung startup 'Good Love Chicken' raises cage-free hens with government aid, overcomes challenges

In Kaohsiung, a youth entrepreneurship brand named "Good Love Chicken" is pioneering a rare cage-free, animal-friendly farming method. The venture, led by Huang Xiang-fu, a former tech engineer, prioritizes a natural living environment for chickens, allowing them ample space and natural light.

Huang, who started the business out of a personal commitment to only sell what he would eat himself, personally oversees daily feeding and care, treating the chickens as partners. He invested heavily in farm equipment and smart lighting systems to create an optimal environment. Despite his dedication, the path was not smooth. Early struggles included short egg shelf life and establishing sales channels.

"Good Love Chicken" found success in e-commerce, even topping sales charts for eggs. However, intense online price wars squeezed profits, and expansion plans created significant financial pressure, leaving the business account near zero multiple times. Government support proved crucial, with the Youth Bureau's interest subsidy program in 2021 and subsequent access to resources like the "Xiong Ting Li" loan program significantly easing the financial burden.

Kaohsiung's Youth Bureau Director Lin Kai-hsuan lauded "Good Love Chicken" for its innovative approach in the primary industry, noting the scarcity of young entrepreneurs willing to invest in labor- and capital-intensive sectors like livestock. He highlighted Huang's commitment to ethical farming as a model for Kaohsiung's youth. The bureau is promoting its "Xiong Ting Li" loan program, offering up to five years of interest subsidies for eligible young entrepreneurs starting July 1.