Caffeinated by Cardano: A Premium Ethiopian Coffee Brand

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Tsion Solomon Mekonnen

[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)

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)

We will create a premium Ethiopian coffee brand using the Cardano name, ensuring fair pricing for producers and enhancing Cardano's visibility, thus connecting culture and blockchain innovation.

[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

Because while the branding and marketing strategies will be transparent, the proprietary aspects related to the coffee blend, sourcing contracts, and business model will remain confidential to protect competitive advantages and maintain quality control. However, we will share insights and methodologies that contribute to the project’s success to foster community engagement and knowledge sharing.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution

Problem Perception: Ethiopian coffee producers face significant challenges in accessing fair pricing and markets. Despite the rich heritage of Ethiopian coffee, many farmers struggle to obtain adequate compensation for their high-quality products. Simultaneously, Cardano aims to enhance its brand recognition and demonstrate real-world applications of blockchain technology. This project seeks to bridge these gaps by creating a premium coffee brand that embodies both cultural authenticity and the innovative spirit of Cardano.

Approach: Our solution is to develop a premium coffee brand that utilizes the Cardano name, showcasing the quality and uniqueness of Ethiopian coffee. We will collaborate with local farmers to ensure fair pricing and ethical sourcing practices. By leveraging Cardano’s decentralized approach, we can create a transparent supply chain that benefits both producers and consumers.

Engagement: The project will engage various stakeholders, including:

• Ethiopian Coffee Farmers: By providing them with a fair trade model and market access.
• Cardano Community: Engaging Cardano enthusiasts and potential customers through branding and marketing initiatives.
• Consumers: Educating coffee lovers about the unique qualities of Ethiopian coffee and its connection to Cardano.

Impact Demonstration: To measure our impact, we will track several key performance indicators:

• Sales Metrics: Monitoring sales growth and the number of farmers involved in the project.
• Community Feedback: Conducting surveys to assess consumer awareness and satisfaction.
• Market Reach: Evaluating the brand's presence in local and international markets.

Uniqueness of the Solution: This initiative stands out by combining the rich heritage of Ethiopian coffee with the innovative and community-focused ethos of Cardano. It not only promotes a premium product but also creates a sustainable model for farmers, ensuring they receive fair compensation while fostering global awareness of Ethiopian coffee culture.

Importance to Cardano: By associating with a high-quality, culturally significant product, Cardano can enhance its brand visibility and demonstrate the real-world impact of blockchain technology. This project not only addresses the economic needs of Ethiopian farmers but also aligns with Cardano's mission to create positive societal change, making it a significant step forward for the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

Value to the Cardano Community: This project will enhance the visibility and reputation of the Cardano brand by associating it with a premium product that embodies ethical sourcing and community empowerment. By promoting Ethiopian coffee, we create a tangible link between Cardano’s values and real-world applications, demonstrating how blockchain technology can drive positive social change. This initiative will attract new users and enthusiasts to the Cardano ecosystem, fostering community growth and engagement.

Measuring Impact:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Sales Data: Track the volume of coffee sold and revenue generated, assessing growth over time.
• Market Reach: Monitor the number of retail partners and regions where the coffee is sold.
• Farmer Participation: Measure the number of farmers benefiting from the project and the increase in their income.

• Qualitative Metrics:
• Consumer Feedback: Gather insights through surveys and social media engagement to understand customer satisfaction and brand perception.
• Community Engagement: Assess participation in branding initiatives, such as voting on product designs or marketing strategies, to gauge community involvement.

Sharing Outputs:

• Regular Updates: Provide periodic reports on progress, metrics, and community feedback through the Cardano forums and social media channels.
• Community Events: Organize events (both virtual and in-person) to showcase the coffee brand, share stories from farmers, and discuss the impact of blockchain on sustainable practices.
• Collaborations: Partner with Cardano ambassadors and influencers to promote the coffee brand and its impact on the Cardano community.

By implementing these measures and sharing our findings, we aim to create a transparent narrative around the project that highlights its contributions to both Ethiopian coffee producers and the wider Cardano ecosystem. This will foster a sense of pride and ownership within the Cardano community while reinforcing the project’s mission of sustainability and ethical practices.

[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 & Feasibility

Existing Capabilities: 

• Experience in Branding and Marketing: I have a background in branding and marketing strategies, particularly within the food and beverage secto

• Network of Contacts: I have established connections with local Ethiopian coffee producers and cooperatives, which will facilitate collaboration and ensure ethical sourcing practice

• Knowledge of Blockchain and Cardano: As a member of the Cardano community, I have a solid understanding of blockchain technology and its potential application

Feasibility Validation:

• Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to assess consumer interest in premium Ethiopian coffee and identify potential distribution channel

• Pilot Program: Launch a small-scale pilot program to test the coffee brand in select market

• Partnership Assessments: Engage with local farmers and cooperatives to evaluate their willingness and capacity to participate in the projec

Trust and Accountability:

• Transparent Financial Management: Implement a transparent financial management system that tracks all expenditures and revenues related to the projec

• Community Oversight: Establish a community advisory board composed of members from the Cardano community and local stakeholder

• Regular Updates: Provide ongoing updates to the Cardano community on project progress, challenges, and financial healt

By leveraging my existing capabilities and implementing these validation steps and accountability measures, I am confident in my ability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and transparency.

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

Market Research and Feasibility Study

Description: Conduct comprehensive market research to assess consumer interest in premium Ethiopian coffee and evaluate potential distribution channels.

Acceptance Criteria: A detailed report summarizing market trends, consumer preferences, and a list of potential retail partners.

Timeline: Month 1-2

 Establish Partnerships with Coffee Producers

Description: Form partnerships with local Ethiopian coffee farmers and cooperatives to secure ethical sourcing agreements.

Acceptance Criteria: Signed agreements with at least three local coffee producers, ensuring fair trade practices and quality standards.

Timeline: Month 3-4

Branding and Marketing Strategy Development

Description: Develop a branding and marketing strategy for the coffee brand, including logo design, packaging, and promotional materials.

Acceptance Criteria: Completed branding assets, including a logo, packaging design, and a marketing plan ready for implementation.

Timeline: Month 5-6

inal Milestone: Project Close-out Report and Video

Description: Prepare a comprehensive project close-out report that summarizes all project activities, outcomes, metrics, and lessons learned throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, create a video that visually captures the project journey, including interviews with coffee producers, consumer testimonials, and key moments from the pilot and full-scale launch.

Acceptance Criteria:

• A detailed report that includes:
• Overview of the project goals and objectives.
• Summary of each milestone achieved with corresponding metrics.
• Analysis of market feedback and consumer engagement.
• Challenges faced and lessons learned.
• Recommendations for future projects or expansions.
• A high-quality video (3-5 minutes long) that highlights:
• The story behind the coffee brand.
• Interviews with local farmers discussing their experiences.
• Consumer feedback and engagement.
• Key visuals from the launch events and marketing activities.
• Publication and dissemination of the report and video across Cardano community platforms, social media, and relevant industry networks.

Timeline: Month 11-12

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

Project Team

TSION SOLOMON

• Role: Project Lead / Brand Strategist
• Responsibilities: Oversee the project from conception to completion, including market research, branding strategy, and partnership development with Ethiopian coffee producers.

METI TEMESGEN

• Role: Local Coffee Producer Liaison
• Responsibilities: Act as a liaison between the project team and local coffee producers, ensuring fair trade practices and quality sourcing. They will help coordinate logistics and provide insights into local production practices.

HAYAT SHIMELES

• Role: Marketing and Communications Manager
• Responsibilities: Develop and implement the branding and marketing strategy, create promotional materials, and manage social media campaigns to engage consumers.

HANAN BEDIRU

• Role: Supply Chain Consultant
• Responsibilities: Design the logistics and distribution plan for the coffee brand, ensuring timely delivery and quality control throughout the supply chain.

KIDUS MULAT

• Role: Financial Manager
• Responsibilities: Manage the project budget, oversee financial reporting, and ensure transparency and accountability in fund management.

Recruitment of Additional Team Members

• Skills Needed:
• Graphic Designer: To create branding assets, packaging design, and marketing materials.
• Data Analyst: To analyze market research data and consumer feedback, providing insights for decision-making.
• Community Engagement Coordinator: To manage outreach to the Cardano community and organize events or initiatives that promote the coffee brand.

Engagement with Team Members

I have initiated discussions with key team members, including local coffee producers and marketing specialists, to confirm their willingness and capacity to support the project. Additionally, I have engaged with members of the Cardano community through Discord channels to gauge interest and gather feedback on the proposed initiative.

By assembling a diverse team with relevant expertise and actively engaging potential collaborators, we are well-positioned to successfully deliver this project. Please let me know if you’d like to add or modify any details!

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

Budget & Costs

Total Budget Request: 150,000 ADA

• Market Research and Feasibility Study  
• Cost: 20,000 ADA  
• Description: This will cover expenses related to market research surveys, consumer interviews, and data analysis tools to assess market trends and consumer preferences.

• Partnership Development with Coffee Producers  
• Cost: 25,000 ADA  
• Description: Funds allocated for travel and logistics to meet with local coffee producers in Ethiopia, including transportation and accommodation. It may also cover the costs of signing agreements with producers to ensure ethical sourcing.

• Branding and Marketing Strategy Development  
• Cost: 30,000 ADA  
• Description: This includes costs for hiring a graphic designer for branding assets, creating packaging designs, and developing promotional materials. Additional funds may be allocated for marketing campaigns, including social media advertising and community engagement initiatives.

• Supply Chain Logistics  
• Cost: 35,000 ADA  
• Description: Expenses for designing the logistics plan, including shipping costs for importing the coffee, warehousing, and distribution to retailers.

• Financial Management  
• Cost: 10,000 ADA  
• Description: Budget allocated for hiring a financial manager or accountant to oversee project finances, ensuring transparency and compliance with funding rules. This may also include costs related to financial reporting and auditing services.

• Publicity and Community Engagement  
• Cost: 15,000 ADA  
• Description: Funds for organizing promotional events, community outreach activities, and engagement with the Cardano community through events or workshops to raise awareness about the coffee brand.

• Project Management and Reporting  
• Cost: 10,000 ADA  
• Description: Allocation for project management tools or software licenses to streamline project tracking and communication among team members. This will also cover costs for documentation, reporting back to the community, and creating the final project close-out report and video.

• Miscellaneous Costs  
• Cost: 5,000 ADA  
• Description: A small contingency fund to cover unforeseen expenses that may arise during the project, ensuring flexibility in budget management.

Third-Party Services

• Graphic Design Services: To create branding and packaging designs. Estimated cost: 10,000 ADA.
• Market Research Tools: Subscription fees for data analysis tools or services to collect and analyze market data. Estimated cost: 5,000 ADA.
• Logistics and Shipping Services: Costs related to hiring third-party logistics providers for shipping and distribution of the coffee. Estimated cost: 20,000 ADA.

Alternative Funding Sources

If the total project costs exceed the funding request, I plan to seek additional funding through:

• Grants from local agricultural or fair trade organizations.
• Partnerships with other businesses interested in ethical coffee sourcing, which could provide financial support in exchange for co-branding opportunities.

This budget breakdown reflects the comprehensive needs of the project and ensures that all elements are accounted for. Please let me know if you would like to adjust any of the budget items or provide additional details!

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

Value for Money

The budget for this project, totaling 150,000 ADA, represents a strategic investment in the Cardano ecosystem by leveraging the brand recognition of Cardano in promoting ethically sourced Ethiopian coffee. Here’s how the costs align with value for money:

• Market Research and Feasibility Study (20,000 ADA): Conducting thorough market research is critical for understanding consumer preferences and ensuring the success of the coffee bran

• Partnership Development with Coffee Producers (25,000 ADA): Establishing partnerships with local coffee producers ensures ethical sourcing and supports the local econom

• Branding and Marketing Strategy Development (30,000 ADA): The branding strategy is essential for differentiating the product in a competitive marke

• Supply Chain Logistics (35,000 ADA): Developing an efficient supply chain is vital for maintaining quality and ensuring timely delivery of the produc

• Financial Management (10,000 ADA): Engaging a financial manager ensures transparent fund management and compliance with financial reporting standard

• Publicity and Community Engagement (15,000 ADA): Investing in community engagement initiatives helps raise awareness about the coffee brand and fosters a sense of community around the Cardano ecosyste

• Project Management and Reporting (10,000 ADA): Effective project management ensures that all aspects of the project are executed efficientl

• Miscellaneous Costs (5,000 ADA): A contingency fund provides flexibility in managing unforeseen expenses, ensuring that the project remains on track without sacrificing qualit

Supporting Evidence

The costs outlined have been benchmarked against industry standards and typical freelance rates. For instance, graphic design services typically range from 50 to 150 ADA per hour, while market research consultants charge between 75 to 200 ADA per hour. By adhering to these standards, the project ensures that funds are allocated effectively without compromising on quality.

Overall, this project not only promises to generate revenue for the Cardano ecosystem but also aligns with its values of sustainability, community support, and ethical practices. The investment will enhance the Cardano brand’s visibility and strengthen its association with socially responsible initiatives, ultimately delivering substantial value for the ecosystem.