The study aimed to determine the marketing communication methods used by Namibian clothing and textile SMEs operating from Katutura and Khomasdal Incubation Centres. A quantitative methodological approach was followed in this study. The sample comprised 45 SMEs with business operations at Katutura and Khomasdal Incubation Centres. A simple random sampling method was selected as the researcher made use of an SME name list provided by the City of Windhoek. A structured questionnaire was used to collect research data. Cross tabulations, correlations and descriptive analyses were used to analyse the research results. The research indicated that the top five most regularly used marketing communication methods are direct sales, „word-of-mouth‟, point-of-sale materials, networking, and newspaper advertisement. The least regularly used marketing communication methods are YouTube, television, direct mail, press releases and coupons/vouchers. Networking was the second most important and effective marketing communication method. Trade shows was the third most-preferred marketing communication method and the reasons advanced were „it gives me the opportunity to talk to and interact with my customers‟. It is recommended that the City of Windhoek should create incentives for current SMEs operating from Katutura and Khomasdal Incubation Centre to leave the incubation centre for new upcoming SMEs. Further research is necessary to establish the reasons why SMEs do not grow as expected and graduate from the incubation centres. Further research is also necessary to determine challenges faced by Namibian SMEs when considering which marketing communication methods to use. The conducted research recommends that different media houses be approached to design and determine special marketing packages for SMEs. Special SME development or advert sections can be negotiated with newspaper outlets. The major limitation of this study was that it was confined to clothing and textile manufacturing businesses. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

There have been tremendous economic developments in all parts of the world including developing nations. One of the major drivers of these developments has been from the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These businesses have enabled many nations to create employment, resulting in an increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In as much as SMEs have well documented benefits, they also require many support, capital and business skills. This has led to the establishment of SME incubation centres where start-ups are hosted and trained to have the business skills. However, despite the incubation initiatives, SMEs still fail to grow and always have challenges. At times, the challenges are not finance related but lack of proper business strategies. This could be addressed by considering business models. This dissertation considers the initiatives that have been taking place on SMEs. A case study of SMEs in Namibia within the Khomas region is used. A mixed research approach was adopted. Specific research methods used were interviews and observations with questionnaires being used as the instruments to gather the required information. SMEs from the Bokamoso Entrepreneurial Centre in Windhoek were selected for the research population. One of the popular Business Model Canvas tools was used as a sample of a guide in data collection, where SMEs engaged were to indicate how they apply certain categories of the canvas. Results show that SMEs engaged do not have specific business models they are applying. However, there were many elements and understanding of the categories from the business model canvas. At the same time, SMEs mentioned incorporating technologies in their businesses and using ICTs to reach customers and make an effort to cut on the cost of bringing in stock. It was also clear that SMEs work independently and have long working hours when they are to meet specific orders. It was concluded that SMEs’ needs are different and that it may be difficult to use one business model. However, a mixture of a few business models could be combined to cater for the changing environment and address business needs. The Business Model Canvas could be applied for the Namibian SMEs but there is need to consider some other business models such as cutting out the middleman, business partnership models and bricks and clicks models. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)