Fiverr vs Freelancer: The Ultimate Guide

A global shift is evident in how work gets done, with platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer.com leading the charge. These online marketplaces have become indispensable for businesses seeking agile talent and for freelancers building thriving careers. The freelance economy is worth an astounding $1.5 trillion USD, underscoring their critical role in connecting talent with opportunity.

Fiverr is trusted by over 11 million businesses and entrepreneurs, while Freelancer.com boasts over 80 million registered users and more than 24 million projects posted, highlighting their immense scale. Both platforms benefit from the growing freelance market, yet their strategies differ. 

At first glance, Fiverr and Freelancer appear similar, both connecting clients with freelance expertise and simplifying the hiring process. However, they operate with distinct models, fee structures, and user experiences. This guide will explore these core differences, helping businesses and freelancers make informed decisions for their specific project requirements.

Fiverr vs. Freelancer: Which Is Best For Business in 2025?

Find the perfect freelance services

When businesses need to get things done, finding the right freelance services is paramount. Both Fiverr and Freelancer offer extensive marketplaces, but their approaches to connecting clients with talent differ significantly, directly influencing how one discovers and engages with the perfect experts for specific needs. The way each platform structures service discovery is a fundamental difference that impacts user experience and efficiency.

Key differences between Fiverr and Freelancer

Understanding the fundamental operational models of Fiverr and Freelancer is crucial for making an informed choice. While both facilitate freelance work, their core business models, project initiation processes, and pricing philosophies are distinct.

Fiverr operates on a "Service-as-a-Product" model, where freelancers (sellers) offer pre-defined "Gigs" with a clear scope, price, and duration. This model originated with $5 gigs but has evolved to encompass a vast array of digital services, from graphic design and digital marketing to programming & tech. 

It primarily serves B2B clients, including large and small businesses. This approach inherently prioritizes efficiency and speed for buyers. The ability to browse, select a pre-defined service, and purchase directly simplifies the initial engagement. This structured approach, particularly with higher-tier packages or custom offers, streamlines the process by compelling clear scope definition upfront, which can reduce common pitfalls like scope creep and miscommunication in complex projects.

In contrast, Freelancer.com functions as a traditional bidding marketplace. Clients post projects with their requirements and budget, and freelancers then submit bids (proposals) to compete for the work. 

This platform supports an incredibly wide range of skills across over 3,000 categories, allowing for highly customized projects. While this bidding model offers immense customization and negotiation, it can be more time-consuming for initial vetting and negotiation. The platform's evolution also shows it caters to large projects, with examples of tasks costing up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Control

Both platforms offer clients control, but they approach it differently. On Fiverr, control stems from the clarity and predefined nature of Gigs. A client knows exactly what is being purchased, for what price, and by when, before a commitment is made. This "Service-as-a-Product" model empowers clients to make quick, confident decisions. For more complex projects, clients can request custom offers or explore Fiverr Pro, which provides a curated selection of top-tier, hand-vetted experts. 

Fiverr

This mechanism of control is embedded in Fiverr's structured Gig offerings. Control is exercised before the purchase by selecting a clearly defined service. For complex projects, this approach can be highly advantageous. By requiring freelancers to define their services as "Gigs," Fiverr encourages a modular approach to complex tasks, breaking them down into manageable, pre-scoped components. This reduces ambiguity and the potential for scope creep, offering a different, often more efficient, form of control compared to the open-ended bidding common on Freelancer.

Freelancer, on the other hand, offers control through its bidding system. Clients define the project, set the budget, and then review multiple bids, portfolios, and proposals from freelancers. This allows for extensive negotiation and customization, giving clients direct oversight of the selection process. Freelancer also provides tools for real-time updates and communication via its mobile app, ensuring clients stay in the loop. Here, control is more about the process of hiring, where clients have extensive choice and negotiation power during the bidding phase. 

Freelancer

Time to value

Getting projects done quickly and efficiently is often a top priority for businesses. Fiverr's "Gig" model is inherently designed for speed and convenience. When a Gig that matches a client's needs is found, it can be purchased instantly, initiating the work process almost immediately. This streamlined approach minimizes the time spent on traditional hiring processes like posting jobs, sifting through numerous proposals, and conducting interviews. 

This is particularly beneficial for tasks that are well-defined and can be completed swiftly, offering rapid time to value. The "Gig" model inherently leads to faster initiation and delivery for defined tasks. This means that even for complex projects, the ability to quickly purchase a component of a larger project, or to engage a Fiverr Pro expert with a clear scope, can significantly accelerate overall project timelines. It contrasts with the potentially prolonged discovery and negotiation phases on Freelancer for a single, large, undefined project, positioning Fiverr as a platform that, even for complexity, can offer a more agile and efficient path to results by facilitating quicker engagement with specialized skills.

Freelancer's bidding system, while offering immense flexibility, typically involves a longer time-to-value cycle. Clients first need to post their project, wait for bids to come in (though 80% of jobs receive bids within 60 seconds on Freelancer), review proposals, potentially interview candidates, and then negotiate terms before awarding the project. This process can be more time-consuming, especially for unique or highly complex projects that require extensive back-and-forth. However, for projects where deep customization and competitive pricing are prioritized over speed, this extended process can yield significant value. The bidding process requires more upfront time investment from the client.

Range of services

Both Fiverr and Freelancer boast extensive service offerings, ensuring businesses can find talent for nearly any digital need. Fiverr, known for its diverse digital services, covers graphic design, digital marketing, programming, writing & translation, video & animation, and more. 

Fiverr

The platform has seen rapid expansion in AI-related categories, demonstrating its adaptability to emerging industry demands and its ability to connect businesses with cutting-edge expertise. 

This focus on digital services and AI positions Fiverr as a forward-thinking platform for modern business needs. Fiverr's strength lies in its deep specialization within digital services, particularly its rapid adoption and growth in AI-related categories. This indicates a strategic focus on high-demand, evolving digital skills.

Freelancer, as the one of the world's largest freelance marketplace, offers a broad scope, with over 3,000 categories and skills listed. Beyond typical digital services, clients can find experts in areas like engineering, science, product sourcing, manufacturing, and even field services. This vast range makes Freelancer suitable for highly niche or unconventional projects, from detailed 3D modeling to complex innovation challenges. While also strong in digital, Freelancer offers a wide, almost exhaustive, list of categories, including physical and highly technical fields. 

For complex projects that are predominantly digital (e.g. a full-stack web application with AI integration), Fiverr's specialized focus and growing AI talent pool might offer more concentrated expertise and a more streamlined experience. For multi-faceted projects that cross into non-digital or highly niche physical domains, Freelancer's sheer breadth might be more appropriate. This allows for an acknowledgment of Freelancer's wider range while emphasizing Fiverr's strategic advantage in high-value digital and AI-driven complex projects.

Freelancer

How Fiverr works

Fiverr operates on a unique "Gig" model, making the process of hiring freelance talent incredibly straightforward. As a buyer, one begins by searching for the specific service needed, such as "logo design" or "website development." Freelancers, known as sellers, create "Gigs" which are essentially pre-packaged service offerings with defined deliverables, prices, and turnaround times. 

Once a Gig that aligns with the project is found, clients can review the seller's profile, portfolio, and past client reviews to assess their quality and suitability. Many Gigs offer different packages (Basic, Standard, Premium) with varying levels of features and pricing, allowing clients to choose what best fits their budget and scope. 

For more complex or unique requirements, clients can also contact sellers directly for custom offers. After purchasing a Gig, clients provide the necessary requirements, and the freelancer begins work. Communication is key, and Fiverr provides tools for updates and collaboration. Once the work is delivered, it is reviewed, and if satisfied, the order is approved, and the payment is released to the freelancer.

How Freelancer works

Freelancer.com offers a more traditional project-based hiring experience. As a client, the journey starts by posting a detailed project description outlining requirements, budget, and desired skills. Clients can choose between fixed-price projects or hourly engagements.

Once the project is posted, freelancers from around the world will submit bids (proposals) that include their proposed price, timeline, and a message explaining why they are the best fit. Clients can then review these bids, browse freelancer profiles, check their portfolios, and read client feedback. Freelancer also allows filtering freelancers by skill, location, and category to narrow down options. 

For added assistance, features like the "Preferred Freelancer Program" or "Verified by Freelancer" can be utilized to find pre-vetted talent. Once a freelancer is selected, the project is awarded, and work can begin. Freelancer uses a milestone payment system, where funds are deposited into an escrow account, and payments are released only when clients are satisfied with completed milestones. 

Fiverr vs. Freelancer: For buyers

Choosing the right platform as a buyer means understanding how each one caters to specific needs, from finding talent to managing costs.

Popular jobs

Both Fiverr and Freelancer offer a vast array of services, reflecting the dynamic nature of the freelance market.

Fiverr jobs

Fiverr is renowned for its diverse digital services. Popular categories include graphic design, digital marketing, programming, and writing. Notably, Fiverr has experienced strong growth across AI-related categories, indicating its responsiveness to emerging technological demands and its ability to connect businesses with cutting-edge expertise in this rapidly expanding field. 

This focus on digital services, particularly those leveraging AI, positions Fiverr as a forward-thinking platform for modern business needs. Other successful categories include content writing, coding, logo making, graphic design, website development, and scriptwriting. 

Fiverr

Freelancer jobs

Freelancer.com, as one of the world's largest freelance marketplaces, offers a broad spectrum of job categories. Beyond typical digital services like web development, mobile app development, and design, clients can find experts in areas such as engineering, science, product sourcing, manufacturing, and even field services. 

The platform lists over 3,000 skills, making it suitable for highly niche or unconventional projects, from detailed 3D modeling to complex innovation challenges. Freelancer also highlights AI for business, offering experts in AI technology to transform businesses. 

Freelancer

Finding freelancers

The method of discovering and engaging with talent is a key differentiator between Fiverr and Freelancer.

Fiverr talent

On Fiverr, finding talent involves browsing through "Gigs" (pre-packaged services offered by freelancers). Clients can use search filters to narrow down options by category, service type, seller level, and more. Each Gig page provides detailed information about the service, including deliverables, pricing tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium), and estimated delivery times. 

Clients can also review the seller's profile, portfolio, and, crucially, past client reviews and ratings, which are central to a seller's credibility on the platform. For specific or complex requirements, clients can directly message sellers to request custom offers, allowing for tailored solutions beyond the standard Gig offerings.

Freelancer talent

Freelancer.com employs a more traditional bidding system for finding talent. Clients post a detailed project description, and freelancers then submit bids or proposals.  Clients can review these bids, compare proposed prices and timelines, and examine the freelancers' profiles, portfolios, and client feedback. The platform allows clients to search for freelancers by specific skills, location, and category, providing granular control over the talent search. 

For those seeking an extra layer of assurance, Freelancer offers programs like "Preferred Freelancer" and "Verified by Freelancer," which highlight pre-vetted professionals who have undergone additional screening processes. These programs can significantly streamline the search for high-quality talent, especially for critical projects.

Freelancer

User experience

The user experience on each platform is shaped by its core business model, influencing the overall journey from project initiation to completion.

Fiverr user experience

The Fiverr user experience for buyers is designed for simplicity and efficiency. It mimics an e-commerce shopping experience, where clients browse and purchase services (Gigs) much like buying a product online. This model offers clear, upfront pricing and defined deliverables, which can be particularly appealing for businesses seeking quick, standardized tasks. The platform's interface is intuitive, allowing for rapid discovery and transaction. 

For sellers, the experience revolves around creating compelling Gigs, optimizing them for search, and building a strong reputation through consistent quality and responsiveness. While some initial criticism suggested a "race to the bottom on price", the platform's evolution towards higher-value projects and features like Fiverr Pro indicates a shift towards supporting more professional and complex engagements. 

Freelancer user experience

Freelancer.com offers a user experience centered on control and customization through its bidding system. For buyers, the process involves posting a project, receiving multiple bids, and then carefully selecting the most suitable freelancer. This provides extensive control over the hiring decision and allows for detailed negotiation. The platform's mobile app facilitates real-time communication and project updates, ensuring clients stay connected while on the go. 

For freelancers, the experience is about actively bidding on projects, competing with other professionals, and building a reputation through successful project completion and positive reviews. Freelancer also features "Contests," where clients post a brief and freelancers submit entries, with the winner receiving the prize, adding a gamified element to talent acquisition. 

Find the perfect freelance services

The core objective for users is to efficiently source the right freelance services. The differences in user experience and platform models directly impact how effectively this objective is met. Fiverr's productized model aims for rapid service acquisition, while Freelancer's bidding model allows for a more tailored, but potentially longer, search process.

Freelancer vetting

Ensuring the quality and reliability of freelance talent is a critical concern for any business. Both Fiverr and Freelancer have systems in place to address this, though their approaches vary.

Fiverr vetting

Fiverr primarily relies on a robust rating and review system, where clients provide feedback on their experience with freelancers. This transparent feedback mechanism helps future buyers assess a seller's credibility and quality of work. For businesses seeking higher assurance, Fiverr offers Fiverr Pro, a premium service providing access to hand-vetted, top-rated freelancers who have a proven track record of experience in their fields. 

Fiverr

While some general critiques exist regarding the overall vetting and training on platforms like Fiverr, Fiverr Pro directly addresses this by curating a pool of elite talent. This structured approach to quality assurance, especially through Fiverr Pro, means that for complex projects, clients can confidently engage with a pre-qualified pool of experts, reducing the time and effort typically required for extensive individual vetting.

Freelancer vetting

Freelancer.com employs a multi-layered approach to vetting. While it also relies heavily on freelancer profiles, portfolios, and client reviews, it offers specific programs for enhanced quality control. The Preferred Freelancer Program is an exclusive group for the top 3% of professionals, requiring extensive vetting, interviews, and entrance exams. Members of this program gain access to higher-value projects and premium Enterprise clients. 

Additionally, the Verified by Freelancer program allows freelancers to undergo identity verification, including a video interview, earning them a blue badge and access to bid on higher-value projects. While Freelancer's various verification programs suggest a comprehensive approach to quality, the sheer volume of users on the platform might necessitate clients to actively seek out these verified or preferred freelancers to ensure top-tier quality for complex projects. The platform also offers an "Employer Protection Policy" to safeguard projects. 

Costs

Understanding the fee structures and typical project costs is essential for budgeting and financial planning on both platforms.

Fiverr costs

For buyers, Fiverr charges a service fee: 5.5% of the total transaction cost for purchases. There is also an additional $3 for purchases up to $100. Payment processing fees may also apply depending on the method and location. Even tips given to freelancers incur the same service fee.

Regarding typical project costs, Fiverr does not offer fixed pricing for specific services, as rates vary greatly by freelancer and gig complexity. While many gigs start "from $5," the full scope of a project, especially for complex tasks, often involves higher-priced packages or custom offers. 

For instance, software development projects can range from $10 to $3000. The average hourly pay for a Fiverr freelancer in the US is around $62.54. Graphic design services can range from $5 to over $500, with an average hourly rate of $60. Web development projects can range from $100 to $5000+ depending on complexity. The average spend per buyer on Fiverr is over $300. This increasing average spend indicates that buyers are increasingly engaging freelancers for more substantial and complex projects on the platform.

Freelancer costs

For buyers, Freelancer charges a project fee of 3% of the winning bid or $3 USD (whichever is greater) for fixed-price projects, collected upon project award. For hourly projects, a 3% fee is levied on each milestone payment. Additional optional upgrades, such as making a project "featured," "urgent," or "private," incur extra fees. 

The average hourly rate for a freelancer on Freelancer.com in the US is around $47.71, with a global average of $21 per hour. Rates vary significantly by industry, skill level, and location. For example, mobile development can range from $25-150/hour, while legal professionals can command up to $66/hour. Project costs on Freelancer can range from small tasks like laptop repairs for $30 to large-scale projects like a First Responder Dashboard for hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Fiverr vs Freelancer: For sellers

For freelancers, choosing between Fiverr and Freelancer involves evaluating how each platform supports finding work, managing costs, and growing a business.

Finding freelance work

The mechanisms for finding freelance work differ significantly on each platform, influencing how freelancers approach their job search.

Fiverr for freelancers

Fiverr freelancers, or sellers, find work by creating and optimizing "Gigs" (service offerings). The process involves specializing in a skill, crafting a professional profile, setting competitive prices, and being highly responsive to client inquiries. Success often depends on how well a Gig ranks in search results, which is influenced by factors like reviews, response rate, and on-time delivery. 

While patience is key, especially when starting out, building credibility through positive reviews and a robust portfolio is crucial for attracting high-quality clients. For many, Fiverr serves as a valuable source of semi-regular assignments, offsetting periods of lower demand from external clients. 

Freelancer for freelancers

On Freelancer.com, freelancers actively seek work by browsing job postings and submitting bids or proposals. The platform allows searching for work by specific skills, language, or by exploring featured projects and contests. Freelancers compete with others by offering competitive prices and showcasing their expertise in their bids. 

The platform also offers "Contests," where freelancers submit creative entries to win a prize, providing an alternative way to secure work and demonstrate skills. Building a strong profile and portfolio, along with a track record of successful projects, is essential for winning bids and attracting clients. 

What it’ll cost you as a freelancer to use Fiverr and Freelancer

The fees charged by each platform directly impact a freelancer's net earnings.

Fiverr fees

Fiverr charges a flat 20% commission on every sale a freelancer makes, including any tips received. For example, if a project is priced at $100, Fiverr takes $20, leaving the freelancer with $80. This consistent 20% fee applies across all services and price points. While this is a higher percentage compared to some other platforms, many freelancers find it acceptable given that Fiverr handles all the marketing and client acquisition, allowing them to focus solely on delivering work. Additional costs may arise if a freelancer chooses to use "Promoted Gigs" to increase visibility, with costs varying based on bid amount, budget, and gig category. 

Freelancer fees

Freelancer.com's fee structure for freelancers is more varied. For fixed-price projects, a fee of 10% of the winning bid or $5 USD (whichever is greater) is collected once the awarded freelancer accepts the project. For hourly projects, a 10% fee is charged on every milestone payment released. Any subsequent payments exceeding the original bid amount also incur a 10% project fee. Bonuses or tips from clients are subject to a 10% fee. 

Freelancers participating in the "Preferred Freelancer Program" will be charged a 15% project fee on Recruiter projects, but this is not charged upfront. Freelancer also offers various paid membership plans that provide benefits like more bids per month, more skills, and access to high-value project bidding. 

Growing your business

Both platforms offer mechanisms to help freelancers grow their businesses and enhance their professional standing.

Fiverr

Fiverr employs a tiered leveling system that rewards freelancers for consistent performance and quality. There are four primary levels: New Seller, Level 1, Level 2, and Top Rated Seller. Progression through these levels is determined by criteria such as active selling days, number of completed orders, total earnings, maintaining a high star rating (4.7+), and strong response, order completion, and on-time delivery rates (all 90% or higher). 

LEVEL 1

To achieve Level 1, a seller needs to complete 5 orders, earn $400, and maintain the required ratings and response rates. Benefits include increased gig extras, the ability to offer packages, priority customer support, and a "Level 1" badge on the profile, which enhances credibility and attracts more potential clients. 

LEVEL 2

Reaching Level 2 requires 20 completed orders, and $2,000 earned, while maintaining high performance metrics. Level 2 sellers gain access to even more gig extras and packages, priority placement in search results, eligibility for the Fiverr Pro program, and the ability to offer custom offers to buyers. A "Level 2" badge further boosts their professional image.

TOP RATED

The highest level, Top Rated Seller, demands 40 completed orders, and $10,000 earned, alongside continued high performance. Top-Rated Sellers enjoy exclusive benefits, including VIP customer support, a "Top Rated" badge symbolizing expertise, and opportunities to become Fiverr ambassadors or participate in promotional activities. This level not only brings financial rewards but significantly enhances professional reputation and opens doors to premium clients.

This leveling system directly ties a freelancer's performance to increased visibility and access to premium features, including eligibility for Fiverr Pro, which offers access to larger, more complex projects. This creates a clear and integrated incentive for maintaining high quality and reliability.

Fiverr

Freelancer

Freelancer.com offers various programs and membership tiers designed to enhance a freelancer's success and earnings.

The platform provides several membership plans (Basic, Plus, Professional, Premier) that offer increasing benefits, such as more bids per month, more skills, client engagement features, daily withdrawal requests, and access to high-value project bidding. These plans can be paid monthly or annually, with savings for annual commitments. 

Freelancer

Additionally, Freelancer offers two key programs for elite talent:

• Preferred Freelancer Program: This exclusive program is for the top 3% of professionals. To qualify, freelancers must be "Verified by Freelancer," undergo an extensive interview and vetting process, have a perfect profile and pristine track record, and pass an entrance exam. Benefits include exclusive invitations to high-value projects from the Recruiter team and Enterprise clients, a preferential fee payment plan (fees paid upon milestone release for Recruiter projects), and premium support. This program provides direct access to lucrative opportunities.

• Verified by Freelancer: This program provides a distinct blue badge on a freelancer's profile, signifying identity verification through a video interview. Verified freelancers gain access to bid on projects worth $2,500 USD or more, and hourly projects over $50 USD, along with exclusive "Video Bids" to personalize their proposals. This enhances visibility and trust with clients.

While Freelancer's membership tiers and elite programs offer significant advantages, they often come with associated costs or require meeting stringent eligibility criteria. These programs provide a pathway for freelancers to accelerate their growth and access higher-paying opportunities, particularly for those willing to invest in their platform presence.

How to choose between Fiverr and Freelancer

The choice between Fiverr and Freelancer ultimately depends on specific needs and project requirements.

For businesses seeking streamlined, productized services with clear, upfront pricing and a focus on efficiency, Fiverr often presents a compelling option. The "Gig" model simplifies the hiring process, making it ideal for well-defined tasks and those needing rapid turnaround. Furthermore, for complex projects demanding high quality and vetted talent, Fiverr Pro and Managed Services offer a curated experience, providing access to top-tier experts who can deliver on intricate requirements. The platform's increasing average spend per buyer and growth in AI-related categories indicate its evolving capacity for more substantial and sophisticated engagements.

For those requiring highly customized projects, extensive negotiation, or access to a vast, diverse talent pool across a broader range of non-digital or highly specialized fields, Freelancer.com's bidding marketplace may be more suitable. Its system allows for detailed project definitions and competitive bidding, offering greater flexibility in the hiring process.

When making a decision, consider:

• Project Complexity: For complex digital projects where clear scope and vetted quality are paramount, Fiverr's structured Gigs and Pro services can provide a more efficient and reliable path. For highly unique, multi-disciplinary, or very large-scale projects requiring extensive bespoke negotiation, Freelancer's bidding model might offer more flexibility.

• Time Sensitivity: If speed and immediate engagement are critical, Fiverr's instant purchase model for Gigs offers a significant advantage. Freelancer's bidding process typically involves a longer lead time.

• Budget Predictability: Fiverr's upfront Gig pricing offers greater cost predictability for defined services. While Freelancer provides competitive bids, the negotiation process can sometimes lead to varying final costs.

• Level of Control Desired: Fiverr offers control through its structured service offerings and pre-defined deliverables. Freelancer provides control through the ability to review numerous bids and negotiate terms directly.

Ultimately, both Fiverr and Freelancer are powerful platforms connecting businesses with global talent. However, for businesses prioritizing a streamlined, quality-assured approach, particularly for digital and complex projects, Fiverr's evolving ecosystem and curated talent solutions offer a distinct advantage in getting every great idea done.

Fiverr vs Freelancer FAQs

Q: What are the typical costs for projects on Fiverr vs. Freelancer?

A: On Fiverr, project costs vary widely, with Gigs starting from $5 but offering higher-priced packages for full scope. The average buyer spend on Fiverr is over $300. On Freelancer, costs also vary, with examples ranging from $30 for small jobs to hundreds of thousands of dollars for large projects, determined by competitive bids.

Q: How do Fiverr and Freelancer handle disputes between clients and freelancers?

A: Fiverr encourages direct communication first. If issues persist, a formal dispute can be opened through customer support, with Fiverr making the final decision. Freelancer has a multi-stage "Milestone Dispute Resolution Policy" involving negotiation, evidence submission, and arbitration, with a fee that is refunded to the winning party.

Q: Is it possible to find high-quality freelancers for complex projects on both platforms?

A: Yes, both platforms offer options for complex projects. Fiverr provides Fiverr Pro and Managed Services, featuring hand-vetted, top-rated experts for high-value transactions. Freelancer offers "Preferred Freelancer" and "Verified by Freelancer" programs, which highlight pre-vetted professionals for higher-value projects.

Q: What are the main differences in how freelancers find work on Fiverr vs. Freelancer?

A: On Fiverr, freelancers create "Gigs" (pre-packaged services) and optimize them for buyer searches. Success relies on Gig visibility and reputation. On Freelancer, freelancers actively browse job postings and submit bids or participate in contests to secure projects.