Establishing an Incubator: Accelerating Sustainable Fashion SMMEs

Abstract

The South African Clothing and Textile manufacturing industry has encountered substantial hurdles, notably job losses attributed to imports from regions with lower wage rates and inefficiencies within the value chain, exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. This situation underscores the potential for industry rejuvenation, particularly in light of escalating costs associated with importing clothing, encompassing labour and transportation expenses. A significant impediment to the industry's advancement is the absence of a robust design sector capable of generating innovative designs. The forthcoming research will delve into an exploration of literature pertaining to international fashion incubators, fashion districts, and fashion clusters. The insights gleaned will serve as the foundation for crafting a model aimed at expanding a clothing and fashion technopreneurship hub located in Cape Town, South Africa, with the specific aim of supporting graduates in the fields of clothing, textiles, or fashion. This strategic approach involves active engagement with emerging entrepreneurs to expedite their journey towards achieving pivotal economic objectives such as innovation and sustainability, thereby augmenting their competitive edge. Furthermore, this initiative aids these entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities associated with launching small businesses by facilitating access to pertinent best practices and customized technology support services tailored to their unique requirements.