Cardano Connects: Cardano Meet-Ups in the Heart of the Caribbean and Central America

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Alan Delmonte

[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

Lilian Geraldino - Lilianm.geraldino@gmail.com

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

12

[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)

Our mission is to organize monthly educational meet-ups in both countries to boost understanding and participation in the Cardano ecosystem.

[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

N/A

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution, led by Alan Delmonte, former Director of Startup Grind in the Dominican Republic, leverages his expertise in orchestrating over 50 successful community events across multiple cities to address the challenge of limited blockchain awareness and engagement in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.

The approach of alternating monthly meet-ups between the two countries is designed to maximize regional engagement and learning opportunities. By employing a proven community-building model, we aim to create an inclusive, educational environment that introduces and deepens understanding of the Cardano ecosystem.

The project targets a wide demographic, including tech enthusiasts, students, professionals, and local businesses, fostering a collaborative network. By providing a platform for learning and discussion, we aim to empower participants to explore and innovate within the blockchain space.

Impact will be measured through participant feedback, growth in community membership, and the development of local blockchain initiatives. Regular assessments and adjustments based on community input will ensure that the meet-ups are effectively meeting their educational and engagement goals.

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

The positive impact of our project on the wider Cardano community will be multifaceted:

1. Increased Awareness and Adoption: By educating a diverse audience in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, we will increase the understanding and adoption of Cardano, expanding its user base and potential applications.
2. Community Building: Our meet-ups will foster strong local and regional communities that are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Cardano. This will enhance collaboration and support networks among developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts within the ecosystem.
3. Innovation and Development: Educated and engaged community members are more likely to contribute to the Cardano platform, either by developing new applications or by improving existing systems. This grassroots innovation can lead to significant technological contributions and advancements.
4. Global Connectivity: By connecting the local communities in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala with the global Cardano community, we facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices. This cross-pollination can lead to better solutions and more robust adoption globally.
5. Sustainable Growth: With a continual focus on education and community engagement, the project ensures the sustainable growth of the Cardano ecosystem, making it more vibrant and resilient in the face of technological changes and new challenges.

[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?

As the former Director of Startup Grind in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica, the world's largest community of startups, founders, innovators, and creators, I bring a proven track record of successfully managing and growing vibrant local communities. Under my leadership, we celebrated more than 50 events, each contributing to the development of strong, thriving local communities that continue to prosper.

Our project's success is further supported by a dedicated team of professionals experienced in event management and community engagement. This team's skills ensure high levels of trust and accountability, aligning with the goals and values of the Cardano community.

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we plan to implement initial pilot meet-ups, gather participant feedback, and adjust our strategy accordingly. This iterative process allows us to refine our activities to better meet the needs of the community, ensuring that our efforts are both effective and sustainable.

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

Venue and Partnership Establishment:

• Secure event venues and finalize strategic partnerships with key local organizations in both the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.

Team Assembly and Training:

• Assemble a dedicated team of organizers and volunteers in each country and provide comprehensive training to ensure high-quality event execution.

Marketing Launch:

• Initiate a targeted marketing campaign to promote the events and build excitement, establishing a strong online presence for ongoing engagement.

First Event Execution:

• Successfully host the inaugural meet-up, setting a high standard for future events and gathering initial participant feedback for refinement.

Mid-Project Review and Adaptation:

• After hosting the first six events, conduct a thorough review of the outcomes and feedback, adjusting strategies as necessary to enhance the impact of subsequent meet-ups.

Final Evaluation and Impact Reporting:

• Complete all 12 events and perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess the impact on the Cardano community, documenting results and planning steps for sustained community growth.

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

1. Alan Delmonte - Chief Initiative Director: As the Chief Initiative Director, Alan Delmonte oversees the strategic direction and execution of the project. He is responsible for high-level decision-making, securing funding, and building strategic partnerships. His extensive experience in community building and event management ensures the project aligns with both local needs and broader ecosystem goals.
2. Borja Santamaría - Operations Lead: Borja manages the logistical aspects of the project, including venue coordination, scheduling, and resource allocation. He ensures that each event runs smoothly and efficiently, providing a consistent and quality experience for all participants. His role is crucial for maintaining the operational integrity and success of the monthly meet-ups.
3. Lilian Geraldino - Community Engagement Director: Lilian Geraldino serves as the Community Engagement Director, focusing on building and nurturing relationships within the Cardano communities in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. She designs and implements outreach strategies to maximize participant engagement and retention. Her role involves direct communication with community members, gathering feedback to continuously improve the project, and spearheading community-driven initiatives that emerge from the meet-ups.

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

For a comprehensive and detailed budget request of 80,000 ADA for your project to organize 12 monthly meet-ups in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, here’s a proposed cost breakdown:

Venue Rental and Setup:

• Estimated Cost: 15,000 ADA
• Details: Includes costs for renting event spaces in both countries, including audio-visual equipment and on-site logistics.

Marketing and Promotion:

• Estimated Cost: 10,000 ADA
• Details: Covers expenses related to digital marketing, social media ads, print materials, and promotional campaigns to maximize event attendance and engagement.

Travel and Accommodation:

• Estimated Cost: 12,000 ADA
• Details: For team members traveling between the Dominican Republic and Guatemala for event preparation and management.

Personnel and Staffing:

• Estimated Cost: 18,000 ADA
• Details: Salaries for the core team members (Alan Delmonte, Borja Santamaría, Lilian Geraldino) and part-time staff/volunteers for event days.

Workshop Materials and Participant Kits:

• Estimated Cost: 8,000 ADA
• Details: Includes educational materials, handouts, and participant kits which may include branded items, educational resources, and Cardano-related materials.

Catering and Miscellaneous Expenses:

• Estimated Cost: 7,000 ADA
• Details: Food and beverages for attendees at each event, and other miscellaneous costs including emergency funds and contingency planning.

Technology and Communication Tools:

• Estimated Cost: 5,000 ADA
• Details: Cost for setting up and maintaining event-related technology solutions, such as event management software, live-streaming equipment, and interactive tools for audience participation.

Evaluation and Reporting:

• Estimated Cost: 5,000 ADA
• Details: Resources allocated for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of the project outcomes, including data collection tools and impact assessment reports.

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

The investment of 80,000 ADA in this project to organize monthly meet-ups in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala represents substantial value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several key ways:

1. Community Growth and Engagement: By funding these events, the Cardano ecosystem is investing in its expansion and visibility within two strategically important regions. This enhances the user base, increases adoption rates, and builds a loyal community that can sustain and promote Cardano's values and technologies.
2. Educational Impact: Each meet-up serves as a platform for education and training on Cardano's blockchain technology. This not only increases the technical proficiency within the community but also fosters innovation and the development of new applications on the Cardano platform, potentially leading to groundbreaking projects that enhance the ecosystem's offerings.
3. Network Expansion: The meet-ups provide networking opportunities that are crucial for building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and collaborating on projects. This can lead to cross-border initiatives and further internationalize the Cardano ecosystem, creating a more diverse and robust community.
4. Leveraging Local Talent: By engaging with the local populations in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, Cardano taps into a pool of emerging tech talent that can offer fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, contributing to the overall growth and dynamism of the ecosystem.
5. Brand Visibility and Trust: Regular, well-organized community events enhance Cardano’s brand visibility and help establish its reputation as a leading blockchain entity committed to community support and development. This trust is crucial for attracting new users, developers, and investors to the platform.
6. Sustainable Community Development: The budget also ensures sustainability through consistent engagement and follow-up. With allocated funds for evaluation and reporting, the project can adapt and evolve based on real-world feedback and outcomes, ensuring long-term benefits and efficient use of resources.

Overall, the budgeted amount of 80,000 ADA is a strategic investment that promises not only immediate benefits in terms of community engagement and education but also long-term returns through increased adoption, innovation, and a stronger, more connected global presence in the blockchain space.