Lighting Up Ethiopia: Eco-Friendly Candle Bags Powered by Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Yohanns Taye Abebe

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

Individual

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

6

[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)

Create eco-friendly candle bags branded with Cardano, raising awareness of blockchain in Ethiopia while promoting sustainability, local business, and community engagement through practical products.

[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.”

Our project depends on partnerships with local Ethiopian manufacturers for eco-friendly materials and production. Additionally, collaboration with Cardano’s branding team is essential to ensure proper use of the brand logo and messaging.

[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

No, the project's outputs, such as the branded candle bags, will not be open source. However, the process and business model could be shared to inspire similar initiatives, though the physical products themselves remain proprietary.

[METADATA] Horizons

Manufacturing

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to create eco-friendly candle bags branded with Cardano in Ethiopia. These bags will serve both as a functional, sustainable product and a tool for spreading blockchain awareness. The project addresses two key issues: the need for more blockchain education and visibility in Ethiopia and the lack of sustainable, eco-conscious products in the market. 

We chose this approach because candles and reusable bags are everyday essentials in Ethiopian households. By branding these products with Cardano, we tap into familiar items while introducing blockchain concepts, encouraging conversations around decentralized finance and blockchain technology. 

The project will engage local Ethiopian manufacturers for production, fostering community involvement and economic growth. It will also involve educational campaigns to teach the community about Cardano’s mission and how blockchain can improve lives, aligning with Cardano's goals for global financial inclusion.

To demonstrate impact, we will track the distribution of the bags, community feedback, and any increase in awareness and interest in Cardano among Ethiopian consumers. Success will be measured by the number of bags distributed, the level of community engagement, and growth in local Cardano-focused conversations or projects.

This initiative is unique because it merges practical sustainability with blockchain branding, ensuring that Cardano becomes a visible and tangible part of people’s everyday lives in a region that is crucial for its mission of inclusion and empowerment.

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

Our project will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by:

1. Raising Blockchain Awareness: Through branded candle bags, we will introduce Cardano’s mission and values to the Ethiopian market, a region that aligns with Cardano’s goals of financial inclusion and empowerment in developing nation

1. Driving Adoption: Increased visibility of the Cardano brand in Ethiopia will encourage curiosity, discussions, and participation in blockchain technology, helping grow the global Cardano ecosyste

1. Supporting Local Economies: By partnering with Ethiopian manufacturers and artisans, we will promote local economic growth, aligning with Cardano’s mission of **decentralization and sustainability*

Measuring Impact:

We will measure the impact in two ways:

• Quantitative: 
• Number of candle bags distributed.
• Growth in Cardano-related discussions or projects within Ethiopian communities.
• Tracking engagement levels through surveys and community outreach.

  

• Qualitative:
• Community feedback on awareness and understanding of Cardano.
• Stories of local impact, such as increased business for local manufacturers or heightened interest in blockchain education.

Sharing Outputs:

• We will document and share the project’s progress, learnings, and impact through Cardano forums, social media, and community events.
• The project’s successes, challenges, and best practices will be shared with the Catalyst community, providing insights for similar initiatives in other regions.

This project will not only expand Cardano’s global reach but also provide a blueprint for merging blockchain education with sustainable business.

[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 the Project

Our team possesses a strong combination of experience and local knowledge, making us well-suited to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability:

Experience in Sustainable Products: We have a track record of developing and marketing eco-friendly product

Local Partnerships: We have established connections with local manufacturers in Ethiopia who share our vision for sustainabilit

Knowledge of Cardano: Our team members are actively involved in the Cardano community and have a deep understanding of its principles and missio

Validation of Feasibility

To validate the feasibility of our approach, we will:

Conduct Market Research: Engage with local communities to assess the demand for eco-friendly products and understand how best to position Cardano within this contex

Prototype Development: Create prototypes of the candle bags to gather feedback from potential consumers, ensuring the final product meets their needs and preference

Pilot Program: Launch a pilot program in select areas to test product reception, distribution channels, and engagement strategie

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management

To manage funds properly and maintain accountability, we will implement the following steps:

Transparent Budgeting: Create a detailed budget outlining all costs associated with production, marketing, and community engagemen

Regular Reporting: Provide regular updates on project progress, including financial statements and impact assessment

Community Involvement: Involve community members in the project’s oversight, fostering a sense of ownership and accountabilit

Auditing and Accountability: Establish an auditing process to review expenditures and project outcomes, ensuring that funds are used appropriately and effectivel

By combining our expertise with transparent practices and community involvement, we are committed to delivering a successful project that aligns with Cardano's values and goals.

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

Market Research and Community Engagement

• Description: Conduct thorough market research to gauge interest in eco-friendly candle bags and Cardano branding. Engage with local communities through surveys and focus groups.
• Acceptance Criteria: Completion of market research report and community feedback summary. At least 100 survey responses and insights from three focus group discussions.

Prototype Development and Testing

• Description: Develop prototypes of the candle bags and conduct user testing to gather feedback on design, usability, and branding effectiveness.
• Acceptance Criteria: Successful creation of at least three different prototypes and collection of feedback from at least 50 users. A report summarizing user feedback and necessary design adjustments will be provided.

 Project Close-out Report and Video

• Description: Compile a comprehensive report detailing project outcomes, lessons learned, and future recommendations. Create a video showcasing the project’s impact and community engagement.
• Acceptance Criteria: Submission of a detailed project close-out report, including financials, impact metrics, and feedback. A video summarizing the project and its successes will be shared with the Cardano community.

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

Project Team and Roles

Here is a list of the current project team members, their LinkedIn profiles (or similar), and their specific roles within the "Candles Bags with Cardano Brand in Ethiopia" project:

1.Yohanns Taye - Project Manager

• Role: Yohanns will oversee the entire project, ensuring timelines are met and that all team members are coordinated effectively. He will handle communications with stakeholders, manage the budget, and report on project progress.

  

2.Melaku Azene - Market Research Analyst

• Role: Melaku will lead the market research efforts, including designing surveys and conducting focus groups. She will analyze data and provide insights to inform the project’s strategy, particularly in community engagement.

3.Mesfin Mitku - Product Designer

• Role: Mesfin will be responsible for the design and prototyping of the candle bags. He will ensure that the product meets both aesthetic and functional standards, incorporating feedback from user testing to refine the designs.

4.Kidus Mulat - Community Engagement Coordinator

• Role: Kidus will manage relationships with local communities and stakeholders. She will organize workshops and events to promote the candle bags and educate the public about Cardano, facilitating engagement and participation.

5.Betelehem Taye - Marketing Specialist

• Role: Betelehem will develop and execute the marketing strategy for the project, focusing on both digital and community outreach. He will design promotional materials and coordinate advertising campaigns to maximize product visibility.

6.Tsion Solomon - Video Production Specialist

• Role: Tsion will handle the creation of the project summary video and documentation of the project’s journey. She will capture community interactions and testimonials to showcase the impact of the project.

Additional Recruitment Needs

• We plan to recruit additional team members with the following skills:
• Legal Advisor: To ensure compliance with local regulations and assist with any necessary contracts.
• Financial Officer: To manage budgeting and financial reporting effectively.
• Local Artisans: Skilled individuals who can assist in the production of candle bags to support local craftsmanship.

Engagement with Technical Groups

• The project team has actively engaged with relevant technical group channels on Discord and Telegram. We have reached out to local Cardano community members for support and insights, ensuring we have a network in place to aid in project execution. Additionally, preliminary discussions with local manufacturers and suppliers have been initiated to confirm their willingness and capacity to participate.

Transparency and Accountability

• All project participants have disclosed their roles and responsibilities, ensuring clarity and accountability within the project team. This proactive engagement will help mitigate risks and enhance the project’s chances of success, as we have secured the necessary support and resources before submitting the proposal.

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

Here’s a detailed budget breakdown for the "Candles Bags with Cardano Brand in Ethiopia" project, tailored to fit within a total funding request of 75,000 ADA. Each item is presented in list form for clarity.

Budget Breakdown

1.Market Research and Community Engagement (Total: 10,000 ADA)

• Surveys and Focus Groups: 3,000 ADA
• Community Incentives (e.g., small rewards for participation): 2,000 ADA
• Research Analyst (local) for data compilation: 5,000 ADA

2.Prototype Development and Testing (Total: 15,000 ADA)

• Eco-friendly Materials for Prototypes: 7,000 ADA
• Production Costs with Local Partners: 5,000 ADA
• User Testing Compensation: 3,000 ADA

3.Pilot Program Launch (Total: 20,000 ADA)

• Distribution Costs for 500 Candle Bags: 10,000 ADA
• Community Workshops (venue rental and materials): 6,000 ADA
• Marketing Materials (flyers, banners, etc.): 4,000 ADA

4.Full-Scale Launch and Marketing Campaign (Total: 25,000 ADA)

• Production of 2,000 Candle Bags: 15,000 ADA
• Marketing Campaign (digital ads, social media promotion): 8,000 ADA
• Launch Event Costs: 2,000 ADA

5.Project Close-out Report and Video (Total: 5,000 ADA)

• Report Compilation (documentation of outcomes): 2,000 ADA
• Video Production (to showcase project impact): 3,000 ADA

Total Estimated Cost: 75,000 ADA

Third-Party Products/Services

• Research Analyst: Engaging a local analyst to assist in market research and data analysis.
• Video Production: Hiring a local videographer or production team for the project summary video.

Alternative Sources of Funding

• If additional funds are needed beyond the 75,000 ADA request, we may seek sponsorship or partnerships with local businesses that align with sustainability and community development. Crowdfunding campaigns could also be explored to engage the community and raise supplementary funds.

Management of Funds

The project team will implement strict budgeting practices, maintain transparency in financial reporting, and conduct regular audits to ensure proper fund management. All expenditures will be documented and reported back to the community, adhering to the fund rules and maintaining accountability.

This budget is designed to maximize impact while ensuring the project stays within the requested funding limit.

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

The costs associated with the "Candles Bags with Cardano Brand in Ethiopia" project represent substantial value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to several key factors:

Sustainable Impact: The project aims to create eco-friendly products that promote sustainability and raise awareness of the Cardano bran

Market Entry and Growth: By entering the Ethiopian market, the project facilitates Cardano's expansion into a region with significant potential for blockchain adoptio

Local Economic Development: The project supports local manufacturers and artisans, directly contributing to the Ethiopian econom

Cost Justification:

• Market Research: The costs associated with hiring a local research analyst (5,000 ADA) are competitive compared to average wages in Ethiopia, which allows us to obtain quality insights while supporting local professionals.
• Prototype Development: The budget for materials (7,000 ADA) and local production (5,000 ADA) reflects the average costs for sustainable sourcing in the region, ensuring that we maintain quality while supporting local suppliers.
• Workshops and Community Engagement: Allocating 20,000 ADA for the pilot program, which includes distribution and community workshops, demonstrates a commitment to engaging directly with potential users. This investment is crucial for educating the community about Cardano and fostering adoption.

Marketing and Promotion: The investment of 25,000 ADA for a full-scale launch and marketing campaign is designed to maximize visibility and awareness in a targeted manne

Project Documentation and Reporting: The final budget allocation of 5,000 ADA for a comprehensive project close-out report and video will ensure transparency and accountabilit

Conclusion

In summary, while the total project cost of 75,000 ADA may appear significant, it is justified by the extensive benefits it offers to the Cardano ecosystem. The project's focus on sustainable development, local economic empowerment, and strategic market entry aligns with Cardano’s values, making it a worthwhile investment for both the community and the broader blockchain movement. The careful consideration of costs ensures that each expenditure is proportionate to the anticipated impact, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing value for the Cardano ecosystem.