Advisory can provide information to SGBs to help them make decisions through recommendations, without taking action to enforce them. Considering the diversity of SGB typologies (by scale and size), these recommendations would differ in their applicability for the various SGB types, and with practices.

The intermediaries can, for instance, provide information on OSH regulation, tools, and initiatives, as well as tangible advice to the MSMEs - and they can further convey general knowledge from the authorities and other OSH actors. The services maybe outsourced or offered internally, considering that this is a key service that is offered by intermediaries.

Intermediaries offer training to enhance the capacity of SGBs to carry out their business effectively. Integrating E&OHS into current training engagements is a highly effective way of increasing knowledge and skills among SGBs building general awareness about the subject. Using similar approaches, intermediaries should be able to enhance the capacity of SGBs to implement E&OHS practices. Depending on the business model and sector of the SGB, the training support could be offered through contracting a consultant to offer training on a specific minimum practice. These activities mean that costs are likely to be incurred therefore a cost-share arrangement between the intermediary and SGB can support driving ownership and designed to ensure the SGB has “skin in the game” and is proactively engaged. Due to the financial constraints of most SGBs, in kind support or low-cost approaches can be considered by intermediaries in order to have a broader reach and uptake among these enterprises.

The success of a training course is contingent upon several factors, including the general support provided- such as the follow-up action. To be effective, the training should provide a balance between theory and practice; adopt participatory learning methods; use a language easily understood by the SGB; provide examples drawn from similar companies (in terms of size and sector); be carried out at times that are easily accessible; and benefit from the presence of experienced employee as mentors. Training activities need to be adapted to consider the sector-specific risks, work organization (utilizing virtual sessions) and other factors, such as the social context.

Peer-to-peer learning has been used as a crucial tool to enhance uptake of proposed solutions among SGBs. SGBs are particularly interested in advice and guidance from colleagues and peers, who face the same challenges and can provide concrete and feasible solutions.

Various intermediaries have used peer learning to promote change in how SGBs grow their business, either by connecting similar type of SGBs, or connecting SGBs with scaling business who have gone through the same growth journey.

Peer-to-peer learning could also be formalized in local or regional networks among SGBs as well as at sectoral level. The sessions usually include the sharing of good practice, information, training and education, and research and advisory services.

Co-creation help enterprises develop solutions that are practical, and that could continually be improved. Based on a similar concept, intermediaries would be able to support the SGBs develop requisite documentation, including internal policies and procedures, job descriptions and employment contracts, as well as documents needed to support legal and sector specific compliance.

Co-creation would need input material, strategic process, and expected output material. At the initial stage, the SGB starts with inputs from available templates, which then through ideation and facilitated process, give outputs such as compliance documentation.