The commission's completely redesigned Women Entrepreneurship Guidance Web site offers a platform for exchanges between women entrepreneurs and those who wish to run their own business.

Part of the nationwide Flying Goose Program for female entrepreneurship guidance, the online tool offers comprehensive information on how to open a new business, including loan applications and the relevant laws and regulations.

"For women it's more difficult to become entrepreneurs," observed Wang Yu-ting, chairwoman of the commission. She cited added pressures at home and lack of support from husbands who would rather they stay home among the reasons that often prevent women from running their own businesses.

"Every person has a dream," she continued. "We must give women who wish to be entrepreneurs the chance to make their dream come true."

"By supporting this project, you are not only supporting female entrepreneurship but also local products, and thus boosting Taiwan's economy," noted Wang.

As long as women find the courage to become entrepreneurs, the government has many resources to work with them and help them make their dreams come true, she added.

The Web site also promotes Flying Goose Program members' businesses, which offer a variety of products including dermo-cosmetics, handicrafts, electronics, home appliances, hardware, flower arrangements, food, as well as a wide array of services.

Among the success stories of the program is Alice Chen, whose dermo-cosmetics product line, Minamoto, features her own proprietary herbal blends, using only natural and organic ingredients.

Another woman entrepreneur who shared her story during the press event was Chiang Lin-hsow, whose sales of "34D" buns have skyrocketed to 100,000 per month ever since she joined the Flying Goose Program in September.

After learning about the women entrepreneurship program through a friend, Rose Liu said she found the best way to care for her children at home and still make an income with her "Rose" handicrafts and ornaments, which have even been exported to Japan.

The Executive Yuan's National Youth Commission has operated the Flying Goose Program for entrepreneurship guidance for women since 2000 in view of the trend of regarding gender as a mainstream consideration as well as to improve women's active contribution and help them fulfill their entrepreneurship dream.

To date, the program has helped over 18,000 women throughout Taiwan. The program comprises services such as training courses and guidance, entrepreneurship expositions, international conferences, an informational network, as well as offering help with financing and business plan strategies. More information on the program is available at http://womenbusiness.nyc.gov.tw.