Cardano Career Gateway: Bridging Recruiters and Web3 Talent In Community Platform Splash

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

John-Patrick van Rensburg

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co proposers and Additional applicants

raz

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

75000

[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.

No

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

We will create an extensive Web3 job portal into the Splash portal, offering free, verified listings and profiles to seamlessly connect Cardano-trained talent with recruiters and vice versa.

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

No

[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.”

No dependencies

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

No

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

The project and all of its information outputs are open source. However, the code will not be open source due to the proprietary nature of what is being built.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

Goal 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Goal 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

Goal 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

Goal 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

Goal 16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

The Cardano ecosystem, despite its growth and potential, faces a significant challenge in connecting its emerging talent, especially those trained in Cardano Centers, with meaningful career opportunities in Web3. Current job platforms either lack a focus on blockchain-specific roles or impose fees that create barriers for both job seekers and recruiters. This gap hinders the growth of the ecosystem by slowing down the effective placement of trained professionals and the recruitment of new talent.

Our Approach:

Building on Splash's Success: Our solution is to integrate a comprehensive Web3 job portal into the existing Splash platform, which has already been successfully launched and is operational. Over the past year, our dedicated team has bootstrapped Splash, creating a functioning app that attracts hundreds of monthly users with its gamified NFT sales solutions, a multi-chain community directory listing thousands of projects, and a suite of token utilities. This established foundation will ensure a robust and efficient rollout of the job portal.

We plan to develop the job portal to cater specifically to the Cardano community within Splash. This new feature will be layered into Splash's existing infrastructure, leveraging its network and the features it offers, but with a distinct focus on job listings and professional profiles.

Key Aspects of the Solution:

• Free and Trusted Job Listings: Unlike platforms like Socious, our job portal will offer free listings to ensure accessibility for organizations and individuals of all sizes. This approach removes financial barriers, encouraging a wider range of opportunities and participation.
• Verified Profiles for Job Seekers: We will provide tools for job seekers, especially those emerging from Cardano training programs, to create verified profiles. This feature will help build trust and credibility among employers.
• Engagement with a Diverse Audience: The platform will serve a wide range of users, from new graduates of Cardano educational programs to experienced blockchain professionals and from startups to established organizations within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Impact Measurement: We will track the success of the platform through metrics such as the number of listings, user engagement, successful job placements, and feedback from both recruiters and job seekers.

Uniqueness of Our Solution:

• Integration with Splash: By building on Splash, we're not starting from scratch but enhancing an existing platform, ensuring a quicker and more efficient rollout.
• Focus on the Cardano Ecosystem: The job listing will uniquely cater to the Cardano community, creating a tailored space for blockchain-specific careers at the onset with the aim of creating a cross-chain collaboration in the future. 
• Supporting Career Development: The platform will play a crucial role in supporting the career development of those trained in Cardano Centers, ensuring their skills find the right opportunities.

Beneficiaries and Importance to Cardano:

• Job Seekers: Graduates from Cardano educational programs and blockchain enthusiasts will gain direct access to career opportunities.
• Employers: Startups and businesses within the Cardano ecosystem will have a dedicated space to find and recruit talent.
• Cardano Ecosystem: By facilitating effective job placements, the platform will contribute to the growth and strengthening of the Cardano community, reinforcing its position as a leader in blockchain innovation.

*Anyone with a community or project is encouraged to get onto Splash and test out the platform and grow their community.

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

Our Web3 job portal will significantly contribute to the Cardano ecosystem by bridging the gap between trained talent and employment opportunities. This platform will:

• Boost Employment: Facilitate the placement of individuals trained in Cardano Centers and other educational programs into relevant blockchain roles, enhancing their career prospects and contributing skilled professionals to the ecosystem.
• Strengthen Ecosystem Growth: By connecting Cardano businesses with the right talent, the platform will support the development and success of projects within the ecosystem, fostering innovation and growth.
• Enhance Community Engagement: The portal will act as a community hub, where both new and experienced professionals can interact, share opportunities, and collaborate, strengthening the sense of community in the Cardano ecosystem.

Measuring Impact:

The impact of our project will be measured through both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Quantitative Metrics: Number of job listings posted, profiles created, job placements made, and active users on the platform. We will also track the growth rate of these metrics over time.
• Qualitative Metrics: User feedback and testimonials, especially from those who successfully find employment or recruit talent through the platform. We will conduct regular surveys to gauge user satisfaction and collect suggestions for improvements.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Regular Reporting: We will provide regular updates to the Cardano community through forums, social media, and the Splash platform, including key metrics and success stories.
• Collaboration with Educational Programs: We will work closely with Cardano Centers and other educational initiatives to share opportunities and gather feedback, ensuring the platform meets the evolving needs of the community.
• Engagement with Cardano Businesses: Regular outreach to businesses within the Cardano ecosystem to encourage them to use the platform for their recruitment needs and to provide feedback.

[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?

Drawing from the combined strengths of the Cardano Center and Splash teams, our capabilities are well-suited to deliver this Web3 job portal project successfully.

• Experience with the Cardano Center: The successful establishment and operation of the Cardano Center have equipped us with practical insights into the blockchain community's educational and career needs. This experience underlines our capability to understand and meet the specific requirements of a job portal tailored for the Cardano ecosystem.
• Technical Expertise from Splash: The Splash team’s proven track record of developing robust Web3 tools, such as the multisig minting solutions and the NFT Recycler, demonstrates our technical prowess. Our experience in handling complex blockchain technologies ensures that we have the necessary skills to develop a reliable and efficient job portal.
• Community Engagement and Analysis: Our operations team’s extensive experience in analyzing and classifying Cardano NFT policies has provided us with deep insights into the community. This knowledge is invaluable in tailoring the job portal to effectively serve the diverse needs of the Cardano ecosystem.

Trust and Accountability Measures:

• Transparent Fund Management: We will implement rigorous fund management processes, as seen in our track history with Catalyst projects, ensuring transparency in every ADA spent. Regular financial reporting and auditing will be part of our protocol to maintain trust and accountability.
• Feasibility Validation: Our approach includes regular assessments and feedback mechanisms. We will validate the portal’s effectiveness through user engagement metrics, successful job placements, and employer feedback. These measures will ensure that the portal remains aligned with the community’s evolving needs.
• Ongoing Collaboration: By continuously engaging with the Cardano Center’s educational programs and the broader Cardano community, we will ensure that the job portal remains relevant, useful, and effective. This collaborative approach will also help us in adapting to changing market and technology trends.

Steps for Delivery:

• Development Phase: Leveraging the technical expertise of the Splash team, we will build a user-friendly and secure job portal, integrating it seamlessly with the existing Splash infrastructure.
• Testing and Iteration: In collaboration with the Cardano Center, we will conduct beta testing, gather feedback, and iterate the platform to meet the highest standards.
• Community Integration: We will work closely with the Cardano community to promote the portal, gather feedback, and continuously improve its features and usability.

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

Platform Development and Integration (Month 1-2, 35,000 ADA)

• Platform Development: Develop the core functionalities of the Web3 job portal, focusing on user-friendly interfaces, secure job listing processes, and verified profile creation features.
• Integration with Splash: Integrate the job portal with the existing Splash infrastructure to ensure a cohesive Alpha user experience.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful development and integration of the portal, ready for beta testing.

Community Engagement and Marketing (Month 3, 20,000 ADA)

• Community Engagement: Begin engaging with the Cardano community, including educational institutions and Cardano Centers, to introduce the portal and gather initial feedback.
• Marketing Initiatives: Develop and initiate marketing campaigns targeting job seekers and recruiters within the Cardano ecosystem to raise awareness and prepare for the portal's launch.
• Acceptance Criteria: Effective engagement and outreach evidenced by increased awareness within the community with user numbers, setting the stage for beta testing.

Beta Testing, Refinement, and Project Report (Month 4, 20,000 ADA)

• Beta Testing: Conduct beta testing with selected users from the Cardano community, including potential job seekers and recruiters, to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Platform Refinement: Implement refinements and improvements based on beta testing feedback.
• Comprehensive Report and Showcase Video: Prepare a detailed project report covering all aspects of development, engagement, and testing. Produce a showcase video highlighting the platform’s features, user experiences, and impact on the Cardano community.
• Acceptance Criteria: Completion of successful beta testing, implementation of refinements, comprehensive project report, and a professionally produced showcase video demonstrating the platform’s readiness and value.

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

John-Patrick van Rensburg - LinkedIn   

Coordinator

As a seasoned marketing and sales strategist with expertise in both Web2 and Web3 sectors, John-Patrick excels in evolving business approaches to align with dynamic market trends and cultural nuances. A notable achievement is the establishment of the Cardano Center, showcasing John-Patrick's ability to bridge technology with practical applications. He is adept at developing effective Account-Based Marketing (ABM) strategies, transforming sales and marketing efforts to optimize closure rates.

Dee Boshoff - LinkedIn

Ops Manager

Dee Boshoff is a digital marketing expert and blockchain enthusiast who spent a decade studying, living, and working in Asia with a leading digital marketing agency. He is currently helping to conceptualize, build, and grow Splash, a gamified NFT minting and data aggregation directory looking to onboard the next wave of Web3 projects and users into the creative ecosystem.

Ramon Vos - LinkedIn

Marketing

Ramon Vos has been a cross-chain NFT degen, crypto trader, and investor since 2021. He has over a decade of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, working in Asia, Africa, and Europe. He is Dutch by nationality, multilingual, and is currently based in France. He has a Master's Degree in marketing and finance.

Aaron Arfman - LinkedIn

Product

Aaron Arfman is an entrepreneur with 20 years of operations experience in China and a Cardano supporter since 2018. He is passionate about developing products that make blockchain more accessible to the masses by leveraging his cross-industry experiences from private equity, and fintech startups to wine production and distribution.

Jacques Bosch - Linkedin

CTO

Jacques Bosch, a tech entrepreneur from South Africa, loves the way harnessing software can reshape the real world. With a quarter of a century career spanning a diverse range of industries, from Blockchain and Auctioning to Education and Insurance, Jacques has a wealth of experience in implementing successful systems across many countries. For over 18 years, he has led competent teams founded on strong and respect-based relationships. Currently, he is concentrating on developing blockchain products and generative AI solutions for enterprise scenarios, highlighting his love of innovation and progress.

Piro Vorster - Linkedin

Developer

Piro Vorster is a skilled tech professional and founder of 2 successful software startups, Inversion and Pink Fish, with 17 years of experience in technologies like .NET, Azure, C#, and more. He's worked in a broad range of sectors, including Auctioning, Insurance, and Reinsurance, and relishes the thrill of solving complex challenges. Piro's credentials include a BSc (Hons) Computing degree and a wealth of leadership experience. He also boasts an unusual asset — a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting his commitment to discipline and strategic thinking.

Paul Cowan - Github

Developer

Paul Cowan is a seasoned programmer with over 20 years of experience, largely with C# .NET. He's worked across multiple industries, most notably in online retail, gaming, and now in the emergent fields of blockchain and NFTs. Working in both private and open source spaces and a keen problem solver, Paul brings a blend of expertise, lateral thinking, and collaborative spirit to every project.

Vitaliy Kydon

Designer

With over 10 years of dedicated experience, Vitaliy Kydon specializes in crafting immersive and user-centric interfaces that redefine the digital landscape of blockchain and crypto technologies.

From sleek and secure wallet interfaces to intuitive decentralized exchanges, each project exemplifies my commitment to creating visually striking yet functionally robust solutions tailored for the crypto ecosystem.

Danielle Erasmus - Portfolio

Creative Director/Senior Video Editor

Danielle Erasmus is a Creative Director, Senior Video Editor, and Copywriter with 13 years of industry experience. Dani’s Honours graduating film won a SAFTA amongst many other international awards, which launched her into the best of the industry. After spending many years as a freelancer, creating video content for local and international brands, including CROCS, Supersport, DSTV, Jaguar Land Rover, and many more, Dani joined the Splash/CUR8/Cardano Center team full-time to dedicate her skillset to showcasing their platforms.

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

Our budget of 75,000 ADA is allocated across development, community engagement, and marketing. The cost is estimated on the current exchange and is subject to change due to market fluctuations (reviewers pay attention; we are very aware of this fact). Here is a detailed breakdown:

1. Platform Development and Integration (35,000 ADA):

• Development Costs: 20,000 ADA for programming, UI/UX design, and backend infrastructure development.
• Splash Integration: 10,000 ADA for integrating the job portal with the existing Splash platform, ensuring seamless user experience and functionality.
• Tools: 5,000 ADA for necessary software licenses, development tools, and services.

2. Community Engagement and Marketing (20,000 ADA):

• Community Outreach: 8,000 ADA for engaging with the Cardano community, including collaboration with educational institutions and Cardano Centers.
• Marketing and Promotion: 10,000 ADA for digital marketing campaigns, social media promotion, and content creation to raise awareness of the platform.
• Feedback Mechanisms: 2,000 ADA for setting up feedback channels, surveys, and beta testing mechanisms.

3. Beta Testing, Refinement, and Reporting (20,000 ADA):

• Beta Testing: 8,000 ADA for conducting beta testing, including user incentives and data analysis tools.
• Platform Refinement: 7,000 ADA for making improvements and refinements based on beta testing feedback.
• Reporting and Documentation: 3,000 ADA for the preparation of comprehensive project reports, video production, and documentation.
• Contingency Fund: 2,000 ADA reserved for unforeseen expenses or additional requirements that may arise during the project.

Third-Party Services and Products:

We will not be using any major third-party products or services beyond standard software development tools and marketing platforms. Costs related to these have been included in the respective budget categories.

Alternative Funding Sources:

Should the cost of the project exceed our funding request, we will self-fund the rest of the development costs. 

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

Alignment with Industry Standards:

• Development Costs: The budget allocated for development (20,000 ADA) is in line with average industry rates for skilled blockchain developers and UI/UX designers. Given the specialized nature of blockchain technology, these costs are essential for creating a robust and secure platform.
• Marketing and Community Engagement: The allocation for marketing and outreach (10,000 ADA) is crucial for the platform's visibility and user adoption. These costs are modest compared to standard digital marketing and community engagement expenses, ensuring we reach a wide audience effectively.

Efficient Use of Resources:

• Integration with Splash: Leveraging the existing Splash platform for integration (10,000 ADA) is a cost-effective strategy. It allows us to utilize an established infrastructure, reducing the need for extensive resource allocation towards building from scratch.
• Beta Testing and Feedback Mechanisms: The investment in beta testing and refining the platform (15,000 ADA) is crucial for ensuring the portal meets the community's needs. This proactive approach in gathering and implementing user feedback is a valuable step in developing a user-centric service.

Long-term Benefits:

• Community and Ecosystem Growth: By connecting trained professionals with career opportunities, the portal directly contributes to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem. It supports the career progression of individuals within the community, leading to more robust and diverse projects and innovations.
• Sustainable Model: The project aims to create a self-sustaining platform that continues to provide value beyond the initial investment. This enduring benefit makes the initial expenditure a worthwhile investment for the Cardano community.

Project Impact vs. Cost:

The budget represents a balanced investment in creating a platform that will have a lasting impact on the Cardano ecosystem. It aligns with the project's goals of enhancing employment opportunities, supporting ecosystem growth, and fostering a connected and engaged community.

Splash Platform Link

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund Rules and also that data in the submission form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept