Cardano Center Brisbane

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

David Harris

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

100000

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

8

[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 establish the Brisbane Cardano Center to enhance ecosystem visibility, offer onboarding programs for businesses and developers, and implement targeted marketing strategies.

[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.”

We have an existing venue that we have agreed with lease terms. The lease agreement terms allow for them to vacate the premises with 90 days notice. In this unlikely outcome our venue design and fit out allow for ease of transfer to a new venue.

[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

Yes, all software and documentation developed will be available under an open-source license, fostering community contributions and transparency. The current business plan is already open source; we’ll keep adding to it with the new Center and keep it publicly available.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The proposed Brisbane Cardano Center aims to tackle the issue of Cardano's limited real-world interaction and visibility, which is crucial for its broader acceptance and integration into daily business and creative processes. The center will serve as a focal point for enhancing Cardano's presence in the global tech and blockchain communities, specifically targeting the vibrant and innovation-driven atmosphere of Brisbane.

Perception of the Problem:

Cardano currently faces challenges in marketing and real-world engagement, limiting its growth potential and adoption. By creating a physical hub, we aim to bridge the gap between the digital blockchain environment and tangible, community-driven interactions.

Approach:

Our solution leverages the success of the Cardano Center in Cape Town, which has shown that physical spaces significantly boost community involvement and technology adoption. In Brisbane, we plan to replicate this success by establishing a hub that not only serves as an educational and collaborative space but also showcases Cardano’s potential in real-world applications.

Engagement:

The center will engage a diverse range of stakeholders including businesses, developers, creators, and everyday users. By hosting workshops, seminars, and hackathons, and providing resources for blockchain development, the center will cultivate a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Cardano community.

Demonstration of Impact:

Impact will be demonstrated through measurable outcomes such as the number of businesses and individuals onboarded onto the Cardano platform, the number and quality of projects developed in the hub, and the increased visibility of Cardano in the local and global markets. Regular updates and transparent reporting on these metrics will be crucial in showcasing the center’s success.

Uniqueness and Importance to Cardano:

What sets the Brisbane Cardano Center apart is its strategic location in a known tech hub, its model based on proven success in another city, and its comprehensive approach to addressing marketing shortcomings through education and real-world engagement. This initiative aligns closely with Cardano’s mission of promoting an accessible, transparent, and community-driven approach to blockchain technology. It is designed not just to foster current community growth but to lay a robust foundation for future innovation and integration of blockchain technology into diverse sectors.

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

The Brisbane Cardano Center will significantly enhance the Cardano ecosystem's reach and influence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, by serving as a beacon for innovation, education, and community engagement. Here’s how this project will impact the wider Cardano community:

Value to the Cardano Community:

1. Increased Visibility and Adoption: By positioning Cardano at the forefront of Brisbane’s tech landscape, the center will attract new users and developers, increasing adoption rates and expanding the community.
2. Education and Training: Offering courses and workshops will raise blockchain literacy and skill levels, empowering more individuals and organizations to use and develop on the Cardano platform.
3. Innovation and Collaboration: The center will facilitate collaboration between tech enthusiasts, innovators, and blockchain entrepreneurs, leading to new projects and innovations that leverage Cardano’s technology.
4. Global Networking: Acting as a hub for international dialogues and partnerships, the center will connect the Cardano community in Brisbane with global blockchain movements, enhancing cross-pollination of ideas and best practices.

Measuring Impact:

• Quantitative Measures: We will track metrics such as the number of participants in educational programs, the number of startups incubated at the center, blockchain projects initiated, and partnerships formed.
• Qualitative Assessments: Feedback from community members, success stories from businesses and developers who utilize the center, and case studies of projects developed will provide qualitative insights into the center’s impact.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Regular Reporting: Progress reports will be shared with the community through the Cardano forum, social media platforms, and at Cardano community events.
• Open Source Documentation: All software and guides developed will be made available under open-source licenses, ensuring that anyone in the Cardano community can access and benefit from the resources created.
• Community Events and Workshops: These will be open to the public, and we will actively encourage participation from both local and international community members.
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This approach ensures that the success of the Brisbane Cardano Center brings substantial, measurable value to the Cardano community, aligning with Cardano’s values of openness, inclusivity, and global reach.

[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?

Our capability to deliver the Brisbane Cardano Center with high levels of trust and accountability is grounded in a robust framework of experience, strategic planning, and community involvement. Here are the foundational elements that support our claim:

Proven Track Record:

Drawing from our success in establishing the Cardano Center in Cape Town, we have a proven model for initiating and managing a community-driven blockchain hub. This experience provides valuable insights into operational, community engagement, and educational strategies that are crucial for replicating success in Brisbane.

Local Expertise:

Our team in Brisbane comprises individuals who are integrated into the local tech and blockchain sectors. Our familiarity with the local business environment and regulatory landscape is essential for navigating the complexities of setting up a new center.

Strategic Planning:

We have meticulously planned every aspect of the project, from budgeting to program development, ensuring that all activities align with our objectives of enhancing Cardano's visibility and community engagement. This includes detailed timelines for milestones and contingencies for managing risks.

Trust and Accountability:

1. Transparent Budgeting: Our budget is detailed and aligned with specific project goals, ensuring that every ADA allocated is accounted for in terms of expected outcomes.
2. Regular Auditing: We will implement regular financial and project audits conducted by third-party firms to ensure transparency and proper use of funds.
3. Community Oversight: We will establish a project oversight committee comprising community members who will have the authority to review progress reports and financial statements.

Validating Feasibility:

1. Pilot Programs: Before fully launching the center, we will initiate pilot programs to test our educational and onboarding strategies. This will allow us to gather data and feedback to refine our approach.
2. Feedback Mechanisms: Robust feedback channels will be established to gather insights from the community, participants, and our local team, allowing us to continuously refine our operations.
3. Performance Metrics: We will track specific KPIs related to user engagement, educational outcomes, and community growth to measure the impact of the center. This data will guide adjustments and validate the effectiveness of our strategies.

Sharing Results and Opportunities:

We are committed to maintaining an open line of communication with the Cardano community. Regular updates through newsletters, forums, and interactive webinars will ensure that stakeholders are informed and involved in the project's progress.

This multi-faceted approach demonstrates our capability to manage the project with integrity and accountability, ensuring that the Brisbane Cardano Center not only meets but exceeds its goals, contributing significantly to the global Cardano community.

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

Milestone 1: Setup and Launch Preparation

Duration: Months 1-2

A: Milestone Outputs

• Secure a venue in Brisbane, considering accessibility and relevance to the tech community.
• Complete initial hiring for key staff roles including management and educational coordinators.
• Develop and launch a marketing and community outreach strategy.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Lease agreement signed and venue secured that meets our specified requirements (location, size, and cost).
• Key staff positions filled with qualified individuals.
• Marketing strategy implemented, with initial outreach leading to at least 500 community registrations or expressions of interest.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Copy of signed lease agreement.
• Employment contracts for key staff members.
• Reports on marketing activities with metrics demonstrating engagement levels (e.g., number of registered community members).

Milestone 2: Infrastructure and Program Implementation

Duration: Months 3-8

A: Milestone Outputs

• Complete the interior setup of the center including tech installations and workspace provisions.
• Conduct a soft launch to gather initial feedback and make necessary adjustments.
• Begin delivering educational and onboarding programs and expand community engagement and partnerships.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Center fully furnished and equipped to support events and daily operations.
• Soft launch event conducted with at least 100 attendees and feedback collected.
• At least three educational programs successfully executed with participant satisfaction rates above 80%.
• At least five new partnerships formed with local tech and business organizations.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Photos of the fully equipped and operational center.
• Event attendance records and participant feedback from the soft launch.
• Feedback surveys from program participants.
• Signed partnership agreements.

Milestone 3: Project Close-Out Report and Video

Duration: Months 9-10

A: Milestone Outputs

• Official opening event with significant local and industry presence.
• Comprehensive project impact report detailing achievements, challenges, and community feedback.
• Documentary-style video capturing the center’s journey, community impact, and key events.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Successful official opening with at least 200 attendees, including key industry stakeholders.
• Detailed impact report demonstrating achievement of all project objectives and lessons learned.
• High-quality video production showcasing the center's development and contributions to the Cardano community.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Documentation and media coverage of the opening event.
• A comprehensive project report including statistics, feedback, and analysis.
• Final video presentation available for public viewing and distributed across relevant media channels.

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

David Harris - Project Sponsor

Trent Allen - Venue Manager

DVNC- Community Lead

OLI: Olympic Insights - Education partner

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

1.Setup and Launch Preparation (Total: 25,000 ADA | $12,500 USD)

• Venue Lease and Setup Costs: 12,000 ADA | $6,000 USD
• Essential lease and setup costs.
• Marketing and Community Outreach: 9,000 ADA | $4,500 USD
• Streamlined marketing budget to focus on high-impact activities.
• Staffing Costs (Month 2): 4,000 ADA | $2,000 USD
• Monthly staffing cost for operational support starting from month 2.

2. Infrastructure Setup (Total: 17,000 ADA | $8,500 USD)

• Interior Setup and Technology Installations: 8,000 ADA | $4,000 USD
• Focused budget on essential tech installations and furniture.
• Operational Systems and IT Infrastructure: 5,000 ADA | $2,500 USD
• IT infrastructure
• Staffing Costs (Months 3-5): 12,000 ADA | $6,000 USD
• Staffing costs distributed over three months to maintain essential operations.

3. Program Development and Soft Launch (Total: 29,000 ADA | $14,500 USD)

• Educational and Onboarding Program Development: 8,000 ADA | $4,000 USD
• Slightly reduced to accommodate essential program development.
• Soft Launch Event: 4,000 ADA | $2,000 USD
• Budget optimized for essential elements of the soft launch.
• Community Engagement and Partnerships: 3,000 ADA | $1,500 USD
• Prioritized key community and partnership engagements.
• Legal and Professional Services: 2000 ADA | $1000 USD
• Basic costs (one contributor is a lawyer, deferred legal expenses where possible).
• Staffing Costs (Months 6-8): 12,000 ADA | $6,000 USD
• Continued staffing to support ongoing programs and community engagement.

4. Project Close-Out Report and Video (Total: 29,000 ADA | $14,500 USD)

• Official Opening Event: 7,000 ADA | $3,500 USD
• Costs to cover event execution.
• Impact Report and Documentation: 4,000 ADA | $2,000 USD
• Focused budget on key reporting and documentation.
• Documentary-style Video Production: 6,000 ADA | $3,000 USD
• Video production for reporting and promotional purposes.
• Staffing Costs (Months 9-10): 12,000 ADA | $6,000 USD
• Necessary to maintain support through project completion.

Budget Summary:

• Setup and Launch Preparation: 25,000 ADA | $12,500 USD
• Infrastructure Setup: 17,000 ADA | $8,500 USD
• Program Development and Soft Launch: 29,000 ADA | $14,500 USD
• Project Close-Out and Reporting: 29,000 ADA | $14,500 USD
• Total: 100,000 ADA | $50,000 USD

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

The revised budget for the Brisbane Cardano Center, totaling 100,000 ADA (approximately $50,000 USD), is structured to deliver significant value to the Cardano ecosystem. This budget ensures effective allocation across critical project phases, prioritizing core activities that directly contribute to the project's success while maintaining financial discipline.

Value for Money Justification:

Efficient Use of Resources:

• Venue Lease and Setup Costs: Reduced to 12,000 ADA, this amount is carefully calculated to secure a suitable venue without overspending, ensuring the center is accessible and appealing to a wide audience.
• Staffing Costs: At 4,000 ADA per month, this cost directly contributes to maintaining high-quality operational and programmatic support, crucial for the center’s smooth running and effective delivery of services.

Strategic Prioritization of Activities:

• Marketing and Community Outreach: Reduced to 9,000 ADA, the budget is focused on high-impact marketing strategies that are most effective in building a strong community foundation and promoting the center’s activities.
• Educational and Onboarding Programs: Allocating 8,000 ADA to this critical area ensures the development of high-quality, impactful educational content that will drive adoption and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem.

Optimized Event and Operational Spending:

• Soft Launch and Official Opening Events: Streamlined budgets for these events (totaling 11,000 ADA) focus on essential elements that ensure visibility and impact, providing a platform for community engagement and showcasing Cardano’s capabilities.
• Infrastructure and Technology: Prioritizing spending (13,000 ADA) on necessary technological installations and operational systems ensures the center operates efficiently and can handle various educational and community-focused activities.

Focused Investments in Documentation and Reporting:

• Impact Reporting and Video Production: By allocating 10,000 ADA to documenting and reporting the project’s outcomes, the center commits to transparency and provides valuable insights into its operations and impact. This serves not just to justify the invested funds but also to model best practices for future projects within the ecosystem.

Cost Justification:

• Costs have been benchmarked against average rates for similar services and rentals in Brisbane, ensuring the project remains competitive and cost-effective.
• Staffing costs are aligned with local salary standards for similar roles, ensuring that the project can attract and retain competent personnel essential for its success.
• Resource allocations are informed by past experiences and successes in similar projects, leveraging proven strategies to maximize the impact of every ADA spent.