Cardano Workshops: Unlocking Potential in Northeastern Brazil

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Daniela Alves

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

4

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

Yes

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will conduct workshops on Cardano across all nine northeastern capitals, enhancing access to information and fostering community engagement in a region with untapped potential.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Local Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with local organizations and institutions in each northeastern capital is essential to ensure engagement and attendance at workshops.

Venue Availability: Securing venues for the workshops is critical. Availability and accessibility will directly impact attendance and overall success.

Sponsorship or Funding: Additional financial support may be necessary for logistics, materials, and marketing efforts, particularly in the event of market fluctuations that could hinder covering costs solely with Cardano funding.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Our project does not have open-source outputs as it focuses on educational content and workshops. However, all materials developed during the project will be shared with the community for educational purposes, ensuring accessibility and promoting knowledge sharing within the Cardano ecosystem.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Addressing the Problem: In Brazil, while events focused on Cardano and cryptocurrency are prevalent in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the northeastern region suffers from a significant scarcity of such opportunities. This lack of access limits valuable information and resources for individuals eager to engage with Cardano, ultimately stifling community development in a region rich with potential.

Approach: To address this issue, we will organize a series of one-day workshops across all nine northeastern capitals, including São Luís, Teresina, Fortaleza, Natal, João Pessoa, Recife, Maceió, Aracaju, and Salvador. Each city presents unique opportunities for engagement:

• São Luís (Maranhão)

São Luís is known for its rich history and unique colonial architecture. The city has a growing interest in technology and innovation, making it an ideal location for Cardano workshops. Engaging with local tech enthusiasts can help attract a diverse audience.

• Teresina (Piauí)

As the capital of Piauí, Teresina serves as a center for commerce and education in the region. Collaborating with local business associations will be crucial to reaching young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs eager to learn about Cardano.

• Fortaleza (Ceará)

Fortaleza is a vibrant coastal city recognized for its tourism and cultural diversity. With an expanding tech community, partnering with local technology hubs can ensure strong participation and engagement during the workshops.

• Natal (Rio Grande do Norte)

With its beautiful beaches and growing economy, Natal is attracting more attention from entrepreneurs. Building connections with local innovation centers can help create a supportive environment for learning about Cardano.

• João Pessoa (Paraíba)

João Pessoa is known for its quality of life and commitment to sustainability. By partnering with local organizations focused on innovation, we can engage a diverse audience interested in how blockchain technology contributes to social and economic development.

• Recife (Pernambuco)

Recife boasts a robust tech ecosystem, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of Brazil." Collaborating with local startups and entrepreneurial networks can attract experienced tech individuals eager to learn about Cardano.

• Maceió (Alagoas)

Maceió is famous for its natural beauty and tourism industry. Engaging with local tourism and business organizations can draw in entrepreneurs looking to integrate blockchain technology into their operations, fostering interest in Cardano applications across various sectors.

• Aracaju (Sergipe)

Aracaju, a small but growing city, is focused on innovation. By building relationships with local community groups and businesses, we can attract students and young professionals interested in exploring new technologies like Cardano.

• Salvador (Bahia)

Salvador, rich in culture and history, is also emerging as an innovation hub in the northeast. Collaborating with cultural organizations and community leaders will help attract a diverse audience, ensuring our workshops resonate with local interests.

Engagement Strategy: The project will target a diverse audience, from newcomers seeking foundational knowledge to seasoned participants wanting to deepen their understanding of Cardano. By creating an interactive and inclusive environment, we will encourage attendees to engage actively and develop a sense of belonging within the Cardano community.

Demonstrating Impact: To measure our impact, we will collect quantitative metrics such as attendance rates, participant feedback, and engagement statistics from social media platforms. We will also conduct follow-up surveys to assess knowledge retention and overall satisfaction with the workshops. This data will enable us to evaluate our effectiveness and adjust our strategies for future initiatives.

Uniqueness of the Solution: Our initiative stands out by specifically targeting the northeastern region, where opportunities for education on Cardano are limited. By delivering accessible resources in Portuguese and facilitating local engagement, we aim to empower individuals to take active roles in the Cardano ecosystem, fostering a vibrant community.

Importance to Cardano: This project is important for the growth of the Cardano ecosystem in Brazil, as it addresses the educational gap in the northeastern region. By promoting inclusivity and expanding participation, we strengthen not only the local community but also contribute to the overall resilience and success of the Cardano network.

Importance of Local Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with local organizations, community leaders, and industry stakeholders in each city will be essential for ensuring robust engagement and public participation in the workshops. These partnerships can provide valuable resources, networks, and promotional support, helping create a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants. By working together, we can promote a deeper understanding of Cardano and its potential to transform the local economy and community.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Impact Definition

The proposed workshops across the northeastern cities of Brazil aim to significantly enhance awareness and understanding of Cardano among local communities, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of blockchain enthusiasts and potential developers. By reaching diverse audiences in regions currently underserved by crypto events, we will tap into a wealth of untapped talent and innovation.

Value to the Cardano Community

The success of this project will not only expand the reach of Cardano's influence but also cultivate a new generation of users, developers, and advocates who can contribute to the ecosystem. By providing education and resources, we will empower participants to leverage Cardano’s unique features for their projects, enhancing the overall community and its projects.

Measurement of Impact

To evaluate the impact of the workshops, we will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods:

• Quantitative: We will track attendance numbers at each workshop, participant demographics, and follow-up surveys measuring knowledge gained and intention to engage with Cardano further.
• Qualitative: Feedback forms will gather insights on participants’ experiences, perceived value, and potential projects they may pursue post-workshop. Testimonials and case studies will highlight personal stories of transformation and engagement.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

We will compile the data and insights gained from the workshops into a comprehensive report to be shared with the Cardano community through:

• Online Platforms: Publishing results on Cardano's official forums, social media channels, and community newsletters to reach a wide audience.
• Local Collaborations: Sharing insights with local partners and participants to foster ongoing discussions and potential future collaborations.

By effectively measuring and sharing the outcomes of these workshops, we will not only contribute to the immediate knowledge base of attendees but also strengthen the overall Cardano community in Brazil, paving the way for future initiatives and innovations.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Capability to Deliver with Trust and Accountability

The successful execution of the initial project funded by the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant exemplifies the strong foundation of trust and accountability established by pioneering members Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo. Their proven track record within the Cardano community, coupled with their deep understanding of decentralized governance, positions them well to lead this new phase of the project.

Achievements Under Intersect

1. Creation of GovChainLab: Under the Education and Multimedia Grant, Daniela and Maria successfully launched GovChainLab, a platform dedicated to developing educational materials on decentralized governance. This initiative has included the production of online and in-person workshops, as well as informative content on Substack and tutorial videos in Portuguese, significantly expanding educational outreach. For more details, visit GovChainLab Substack.

1. Successful Workshops and Events:

• DRep Pioneer Workshop: Co-organized by Daniela in partnership with the Institute of Technology and Society, this workshop in Rio de Janeiro generated substantial interest and led to future collaborative opportunities. More information can be found here.

• Local Event in Curitiba: Held at the Hard Rock Café, this event focused on decentralization in the Cardano ecosystem and received high praise, sparking interest from other institutions for future collaborations. Learn more about the event here.

• Constitutional Workshop in São Paulo: This workshop, co-organized with ESPM, marked a milestone in discussions about decentralized governance and led to requests for additional activities. Details are available here.

• Insper Workshop: A workshop on Cardano governance was successfully conducted at Insper, further contributing to the community's understanding of decentralized governance. More details can be found here.
• Online Workshop with the Youth of Portuguese-Speaking Countries: This collaborative online workshop reached participants from five countries, promoting a broader understanding of decentralized governance across the Portuguese-speaking world. More information is available here.
• Presentation at ExpoBlockchain: A presentation was delivered at ExpoBlockchain, highlighting the initiatives of GovChainLab and engaging a diverse audience in discussions about decentralized governance. Details can be found here.

Profiles of Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo

• Maria Carmo: brings extensive and diverse experience within the Cardano ecosystem and Intersect, showcasing her unwavering commitment to promoting Cardano in Brazil. Her significant contributions include:
• Cofounder of Cardanistas Pool: This initiative plays a vital role in the Cardano network, contributing to transaction processing and educational content creation through weekly live sessions.
• Cofounder of Lovelace Academy: This platform provides free educational resources about Plutus, enhancing accessibility for the community.
• Cardano for Beginners Course: A practical introduction to Cardano available on Cardano Feed, aimed at helping newcomers navigate the ecosystem.
• Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/mariacarmo369

• Daniela Alves: A dedicated member of the Brazilian Cardano community since 2021, Daniela has actively contributed to Catalyst reviews and community events, focusing on decentralization and governance. As a pioneering member of Intersect, she has collaborated on projects aimed at expanding decentralized governance within the Cardano ecosystem.

Both Daniela and Maria’s active engagement in the Cardano community since its inception, alongside their roles as pioneering members of Intersect, establish a strong capability for delivering projects with trust and accountability.

Validation of Feasibility

To validate the feasibility of the approach and ensure continued success, the following strategies will be implemented:

1. Community Engagement Metrics: Regularly track participation levels in online and offline educational initiatives, assessing community involvement and interest.
2. Feedback Mechanisms: Collect qualitative and quantitative feedback from participants to gauge the effectiveness of educational resources and events. This will provide insights into areas for improvement and adaptation.
3. Promotional Campaign Monitoring: The planned promotional campaign at Shopping Cidade São Paulo will employ unique QR codes for each advertisement, allowing for precise tracking of engagement and conversion rates. This data will inform future marketing strategies and enhance overall campaign effectiveness.
4. Continuous Collaboration: Building on previous partnerships formed under the Intersect funding, ongoing collaborations with institutions such as Insper, ESPM, and the Institute of Technology and Society will ensure a strong support network, further validating the approach and enhancing credibility.

By leveraging proven expertise and effective strategies, the project aims to deliver a significant impact within the Cardano community, fostering informed participation in governance and strengthening the ecosystem as a whole.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Preparation and Launch

Cost: 30%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Development and submission of the workshop curriculum.
• Establishment of partnerships with local organizations.
• Partners for the first four workshops.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Workshop curriculum submitted.
• Contracts signed with local partners.
• Venues booked with confirmations for the first four events.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Documentation of the curriculum submission.
• Contracts signed with partners.
• Booking confirmations for the venues.

Milestone 2: Execution of Workshops 1 and 2

Cost: 20%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Successful execution of the first two workshops.
• Distribution of educational materials.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• At least a 75% participation rate.
• Positive feedback from participants, with more than 80% satisfaction.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Attendance lists.
• Participant feedback reports.

Milestone 3: Execution of Workshops 3 and 4

Cost: 10%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Successful execution of workshops 3 and 4.
• Intermediate evaluation for program adjustments.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Maintenance of participation rates and positive feedback.
• Adjustments made based on intermediate evaluations.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Updated attendance lists.
• Evaluation reports and implemented adjustments.

Milestone 4: Execution of Workshops 5 and 6

Cost: 20%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Successful execution of the next two workshops.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Maintenance of participation rates.
• Continuous positive feedback from participants.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Attendance lists.
• Participant feedback reports.

Milestone 5: Execution of Workshops 7, 8, and 9

Cost: 10%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Successful completion of the last three workshops.
• Preparation for the final report and closing video.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• All workshops completed with high participation.
• Preparatory materials for the report and video completed.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Final documentation of the three workshops.
• Drafts of the report and video storyboard.

Final Milestone: Closing Report and Dissemination

Cost: 10%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Development of a detailed project report.
• Production of a video summarizing the achievements and impacts.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Final report approved by stakeholders.
• Video published.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Final report published.
• Link to the published video.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Our project team is composed of experienced professionals with a strong background in education, communication, and blockchain governance. Each member brings unique expertise to ensure the successful execution of this proposal. Below is a detailed breakdown of the team members and their roles:

1. Maria Carmo – Content Creator and Educator

• Role: Maria will be responsible for creating the educational content (tutorials, videos, and articles), managing the online workshops, and leading community engagement. She will ensure that all content is accessible and relevant to the community, particularly in the context of decentralized governance.
• Experience: Maria is a pioneer in the Catalyst Fund and a former Cardano Ambassador. She has extensive experience in creating educational materials and fostering community engagement within the Cardano ecosystem.
• LinkedIn Profile: Maria Carmo LinkedIn
• YouTube Channels: MariaCarmo369, Cardanistas

2. Daniela Alves – Communication and Governance Specialist

• Role: Daniela will manage external communication, partnerships, and community relations. She will focus on expanding our partnerships with other initiatives and educational institutions, ensuring that the content is aligned with the governance needs of the Cardano community.
• Experience: Daniela has a background in communication, governance, and education. She has appeared on Brazilian TV networks and taught at IBMEC-SP. Daniela is a dedicated participant in the Web3 space and has been actively involved in the Cardano community since 2021.
• LinkedIn Profile: Daniela Alves LinkedIn
• Public Mention of Governance Work: Twitter Link

Additional Recruitment:

• Skills Needed: We may recruit one or two additional team members if needed to support specific aspects of the project. We will be looking for the following skills:
• Video Editing and Content Production: To ensure that the tutorials and video content are professionally produced and optimized for online platforms.
• Community Management: To assist with engagement on Discord, Twitter, and other platforms, responding to feedback, and maintaining the momentum of the project.
• We have already engaged with key collaborators within the community and are in active discussions with potential contributors who possess these skills, ensuring they are willing and available to support the project when needed.

Technical Support and Community Engagement:

• We are actively engaged in several technical and governance-focused groups on Discord and Telegram channels related to Cardano and Catalyst. Through these groups, we maintain a direct line of communication with key members of the technical and governance community, which will help in delivering high-quality content and workshops that meet the needs of the broader ecosystem.

Transparency and Verification:

• All team members and contributors are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities within this project. We have taken the necessary steps to secure their commitment and ensure they have the capacity to support the initiative.
• Our team is ready for the necessary verifications and transparency processes required by Catalyst, and we will provide any additional information required for the funding approval.

By leveraging our combined experience, network of partnerships, and active community engagement, we are well-positioned to deliver this project effectively and with high levels of trust and accountability.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

1. Travel Expenses

• Airfare:
• Description: Adjusted airfare for two speakers for all nine locations.
• Cost per trip: $263
• Total for 9 trips: $2,367
• Total in ADA: $2,367 / $0.3442 ≈ 6,881 ADA
• Accommodation:
• Description: Hotel stays for 4 nights per visit in each city for both speakers sharing one room.
• Cost per night: $100
• Total for 36 nights: $3,600
• Total in ADA: $3,600 / $0.3442 ≈ 10,466 ADA
• Local Transportation:
• Description: Daily transportation for both speakers.
• Cost per day: $50
• Total for 45 days: $4,500
• Total in ADA: $4,500 / $0.3442 ≈ 13,076 ADA
• Daily Meals (Per Diem):
• Description: Meals for both speakers.
• Cost per day: $40
• Total for 45 days: $3,600
• Total in ADA: $3,600 / $0.3442 ≈ 10,466 ADA

2. Event Expenses

• Venue Rental:
• Description: Renting smaller spaces for up to 35 attendees.
• Cost per venue: $300
• Total for 9 venues: $2,700
• Total in ADA: $2,700 / $0.3442 ≈ 7,845 ADA
• Coffee Break and Meals for Attendees:
• Description: Refreshments and meals for 35 attendees per workshop.
• Cost per attendee: $10
• Total for 315 attendees: $3,150
• Total in ADA: $3,150 / $0.3442 ≈ 9,153 ADA
• Promotional Items and Gifts:
• Description: Branded materials for 35 attendees per workshop.
• Cost per pack: $17
• Total for 315 packs: $5,355
• Total in ADA: $5,355 / $0.3442 ≈ 15,561 ADA

3. Miscellaneous and Emergency Fund

• Description: Covers unforeseen costs and supplies.
• Total Fund: $1,515
• Total in ADA: $1,515 / $0.3442 ≈ 4,402 ADA

Total Projected Costs (With Adjustments): $29,187

Total in ADA: $29,187 / $0.3442 ≈ 84,791 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed budget for the Cardano workshops in the northeastern region of Brazil reflects a strategic allocation of resources aimed at maximizing the impact and outreach of the initiative. The investment in this project is designed to address the current scarcity of cryptocurrency and Cardano-related events in the northeastern states, which presents a unique opportunity to engage with a largely untapped audience.

Cost Justification

• Workshop Facilitation and Materials:

The costs associated with hiring facilitators and providing materials are aligned with industry standards for educational events. The facilitators will be selected based on their expertise in blockchain technology and Cardano, ensuring high-quality content delivery. Local partnerships will be sought to minimize travel expenses and enhance community engagement.

• Marketing and Outreach:

A robust marketing strategy will be implemented to ensure strong participation across all nine capitals. The budget allocated for marketing is crucial for reaching diverse audiences and includes promotional materials, social media campaigns, and community engagement initiatives. Investing in marketing is essential to ensure that the project garners the attention it deserves, ultimately leading to higher participation rates.

• Logistics and Venue Costs:

Selecting venues that are accessible and relevant to the local community is a priority. The costs for venues are benchmarked against local rates for similar events, ensuring that we are obtaining competitive pricing while providing a welcoming environment for participants. Engaging local organizations can further reduce costs and enhance collaboration.

• Measurable Impact and Engagement:

By conducting workshops across all nine capitals, the project aims to significantly enhance awareness and understanding of Cardano and blockchain technology in the region. The expected outreach to thousands of individuals will foster community engagement and empower local stakeholders to explore the potential of decentralized technologies. The return on investment can be measured through participant feedback, engagement levels, and the establishment of ongoing community initiatives following the workshops.