FAQs
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The Global Marketplace is an initiative supported by the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Economic Planning Boards (AKEPBs) in Canada, US, UK, Pakistan, and India. It connects businesses globally with professional service contractors in India, Pakistan, and beyond. The platform’s vision is to create mutual value for both businesses and contractors by providing businesses with access to high-quality, cost-effective services while creating work and income opportunities for young women and men in remote or marginalized communities.
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While platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect a wide array of contractors and businesses, the Global Marketplace was specifically designed to address key market failures that limit the effectiveness of open platforms. Our model provides a distinct value proposition for businesses by focusing on the following areas:
A Trusted Network of High-Quality Agencies: While large platforms offer a vast selection, it can be time-consuming for businesses to sort through them. We have already done that work for you. Contractor agencies on our platform undergo structured screening and technical interviews before being onboarded. This provides you with a reputable network of contractor agencies that can deliver projects with quality, reliability, and expertise.
Enhanced Matching and Support: We address the common challenge of finding a strong match by providing hands-on support, which is a service not typically offered on large online platforms. A dedicated representative works with you to understand your needs and facilitate introductions with high-quality talent.
Generating Clear Cost Savings: In response to increasing and global competitive business pressure and high inflation, accessing competitively priced professional services is vital for sustaining profit margins. Our model is designed to help your business generate cost savings while securing best-in-class services.
A Mission of Mutual Value: Our vision is to build a thriving marketplace that creates mutually reinforcing value for both businesses and contractors. By engaging with the Global Marketplace, your business benefits from competitive rates, and in parallel, you contribute to generating sustainably enhanced livelihoods for contractors and their families.
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Our primary network of contractors and agencies is based in India and Pakistan, and we are continually expanding our reach to include remote or marginalized regions. These contractors and agencies are carefully selected based on their proven track records, professional expertise and commitment to deliver high-quality services. They offer reliable and cost-effective solutions tailored to meet the high standards of North American and European businesses.
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No platform usage fee is charged for businesses, agencies, or contractors.
The Basics: Understanding our Model
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A business first meets with a Global Marketplace representative to discuss project goals and requirements. Based on this, the Global Marketplace connects the business with suitable, pre-screened contractor agency(s). The business can then review the agency’s portfolio and conduct their own diligence before finalizing an engagement.
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Yes. The Global Marketplace representative will propose one or more agencies well-suited to your business needs. However, you can request to review the profiles and project portfolios of shortlisted agencies or conduct technical interviews to select the agency that best meets your needs.
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We take data security seriously. Contractor agencies undergo a structured screening process that assesses their data privacy and storage practices. For added security, businesses can request that contractor agencies sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). The Global Marketplace considers the privacy of our users to be extremely important. For more details on how we handle information collected through our website, you can review our full Privacy Policy here.
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Rates are determined by and between contractors and agencies. The Global Marketplace does not get involved in setting rates but can share illustrative rates to help set expectations prior to transacting and to mitigate the risk of contractor exploitation. Businesses negotiate terms directly with the contractors and agencies.
The Process: How it Works?
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Working across different countries, cultures, and time zones requires deliberate effort to ensure clear communication and well-defined expectations. To mitigate these challenges, the Global Marketplace strongly emphasizes the importance of creating a detailed Statement of Work (SOW) document and a formal contract that is signed by both the business and the contractor agency before any work begins.
This contract should be comprehensive and include:
A clear list of deliverables
Firm timelines for the project
Agreed-upon payment terms
Key assumptions and dependencies
Terms of Engagement
This upfront clarity is the most critical step to ensuring a successful engagement. It is expected that any changes to the project's scope will be formalized through a written amendment to the SOW to ensure both parties remain aligned.
Please note that for software projects, some businesses and contractors choose to use an agile process which relies on regular iterations on solutions developed by contractors so that businesses can provide feedback on an on-going basis. In such circumstances, the precise total cost and completion time of the project may not be known up front. In such cases, businesses typically seek a range of cost estimates and timelines to ensure that the project can be completed on time and within budgets. Moreover, it is common for businesses to seek quotes or rate structures for any additional time-and-materials work that may be required if the project extends beyond the original estimates or if additional scope/requirements are uncovered during the engagement.
While the Global Marketplace conducts regular check-in meetings, these are held in parallel to the project's management. Their purpose is to confirm that expectations are being met and that both parties are satisfied, not to engage in project management. The responsibility for managing the project rests entirely with the business and the contractor agency.
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Quality assurance is primarily the responsibility of businesses and the contractors they engage in the marketplace. However, the Global Marketplace conducts structured screening and technical interviews with all contractor agencies before they join the platform. The selected contractor agency is then responsible for the quality control of the services provided. Businesses are ultimately responsible for conducting their own due diligence and selecting the agency that best meets their needs, before starting a transaction.
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Contracts and payments are managed directly between the business and the contractor agency. The Global Marketplace is not involved in the transfer of funds or the contractual agreement itself and does not manage projects. All parties transacting through the marketplace are required to sign a “Terms and Conditions of Use” agreement to formally clarify the marketplace's limited liability. The Global Marketplace can provide guidance and support during the introductory and initial matching process.
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Our primary support is through proactive check-ins to help reduce the likelihood of issues. We encourage businesses and agencies to maintain open and transparent communication channels, including when it comes to feedback on performance, expectations, and areas of improvement. If a disagreement occurs, we encourage direct resolution first between both parties. We do not mediate or manage the project, but we can provide guidance and, if a resolution cannot be found, assist in finding a replacement agency.