Cardano Workshops: Unlocking Potential in Northern Brazil

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Daniela Alves

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[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

Yes

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

We will hold workshops across the northern capitals of Brazil to educate and engage the community on Cardano and cryptocurrency, fostering knowledge and collaboration in a region rich with potential.

[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.”

Local Partnerships: Establishing partnerships with local organizations and institutions in each northeastern capital is essential to ensure engagement and attendance at workshops.

Venue Availability: Securing venues for the workshops is critical. Availability and accessibility will directly impact attendance and overall success.

Sponsorship or Funding: Additional financial support may be necessary for logistics, materials, and marketing efforts, particularly in the event of market fluctuations that could hinder covering costs solely with Cardano funding.

If the project "Cardano Workshops: Unlocking Potential in Northeastern Brazil" is also approved, we will begin this project after its full completion in the northeastern region. While the other project is being delivered, this project for northern Brazil will be planned in detail.

[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

Our project does not have open-source outputs as it focuses on educational content and workshops. However, all materials developed during the project will be shared with the community for educational purposes, ensuring accessibility and promoting knowledge sharing within the Cardano ecosystem.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to conduct a series of engaging workshops on Cardano across the capitals of Northern Brazil: Manaus, Belém, Rio Branco, Porto Velho, Boa Vista, Macapá, and Palmas. This initiative aims to address the scarcity of blockchain education in the region, where interest in cryptocurrency is growing but resources and events are limited.

Problem Perception: The northern region of Brazil has significant potential for blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. However, the lack of educational events inhibits community engagement and stifles innovation. By targeting these capitals, we aim to provide direct access to valuable information and resources about Cardano, fostering a more informed and engaged community.

Engagement Strategy: We will collaborate with local organizations, technology hubs, and community leaders to maximize outreach and participation. Each city offers unique opportunities for partnerships:

1. Manaus (Amazonas):

Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Manaus is known for its rich biodiversity and vibrant culture. The city has a growing interest in technology and innovation, making it an ideal venue for Cardano workshops. There is significant potential for collaboration with the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), focusing on how blockchain can be utilized for environmental conservation and sustainable practices. By engaging local researchers and entrepreneurs, the workshops will provide valuable insights into the applications of Cardano in preserving the Amazon.

2. Belém (Pará):

Belém is a historical city with a strong cultural heritage and a significant port that facilitates trade. Known for its diverse cuisine and vibrant markets, Belém presents an opportunity to connect with local businesses and artisans. Workshops here will educate participants on how Cardano can enhance transparency in commerce and improve local business operations. Discussions will also focus on integrating blockchain technology into logistics and supply chain management, benefiting the city's strategic trade position.

3. Rio Branco (Acre):

As the capital of Acre, Rio Branco is emerging as a center for entrepreneurship and innovation. The local economy encompasses agriculture, tourism, and small businesses. The workshops will target aspiring entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge to leverage Cardano for their ventures. By exploring decentralized applications (dApps), participants can discover ways to enhance local services and create innovative products.

4. Porto Velho (Rondônia):

Porto Velho, situated by the Madeira River, is known for its natural beauty and youthful population eager for new technologies. Workshops in this city will engage young professionals and aspiring tech enthusiasts. By educating participants on blockchain and Cardano, the workshops aim to inspire innovation and support the growth of local tech startups, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship.

5. Boa Vista (Roraima):

Boa Vista boasts a unique cultural blend and a strong focus on sustainability. The city aligns well with Cardano's mission of promoting social good through technology. Workshops will provide local leaders and entrepreneurs with insights into implementing blockchain solutions for community development and governance. By focusing on sustainability and technology, the workshops will foster discussions around building a resilient local economy.

6. Macapá (Amapá):

Macapá is known for its geographical significance along the equator, as well as its rich history and culture. With a vibrant economy centered on trade, tourism, and agriculture, workshops in Macapá will engage local businesses in learning how Cardano can facilitate secure transactions and improve operational efficiency. Discussions will also explore cross-border trade opportunities using blockchain, benefiting the local economy.

7. Palmas (Tocantins):

Palmas, the youngest capital in Brazil, is recognized for its planned urban development and commitment to sustainability. The city has begun to attract attention from startups and tech enthusiasts. Conducting workshops here will encourage local entrepreneurs to integrate blockchain technology into their business models, driving innovation and economic growth. Engaging with the local startup ecosystem will create valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

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

Importance of Local Partnerships

Establishing connections with local organizations, business leaders, and community groups in each city will be crucial for ensuring robust engagement and participation in the workshops. These partnerships will provide valuable resources, networks, and promotional support, creating a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants. By working together, we can foster a deeper understanding of Cardano and its potential to transform local economies and communities across Northern Brazil.

[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 with Trust and Accountability

The successful execution of the initial project funded by the Intersect Education and Multimedia Grant exemplifies the strong foundation of trust and accountability established by pioneering members Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo. Their proven track record within the Cardano community, coupled with their deep understanding of decentralized governance, positions them well to lead this new phase of the project. Maria Carmo and Daniela Alves were also elected at the constitutional workshop in São Paulo to represent the community at the constitutional convention that will take place in Argentina.

Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo recently published an article on the BM&C NEWS portal, a platform that receives over 30 million monthly visits, providing significant exposure. The article delves into the Catalyst program and offers reflections on the Voltaire era, exploring how decentralized governance will shape the future of the Cardano ecosystem. This collaboration highlights the importance of promoting decentralized governance and showcases insights shared by Charles Hoskinson on the future of Cardano's decentralized innovation fund.

The full article can be accessed here: BM&C NEWS - Fundador da Blockchain Cardano fala sobre futuro do maior fundo de inovação descentralizado do mundo.

Achievements Under Intersect

1. Creation of GovChainLab: Under the Education and Multimedia Grant, Daniela and Maria successfully launched GovChainLab, a platform dedicated to developing educational materials on decentralized governance. This initiative has included the production of online and in-person workshops, as well as informative content on Substack and tutorial videos in Portuguese, significantly expanding educational outreach. For more details, visit GovChainLab Substack.

1. Successful Workshops and Events:

• DRep Pioneer Workshop: Co-organized by Daniela in partnership with the Institute of Technology and Society, this workshop in Rio de Janeiro generated substantial interest and led to future collaborative opportunities. More information can be found here.

• Local Event in Curitiba: Held at the Hard Rock Café, this event focused on decentralization in the Cardano ecosystem and received high praise, sparking interest from other institutions for future collaborations. Learn more about the event here.

• Constitutional Workshop in São Paulo: This workshop, co-organized with ESPM, marked a milestone in discussions about decentralized governance and led to requests for additional activities. Details are available here.

• Insper Workshop: A workshop on Cardano governance was successfully conducted at Insper, further contributing to the community's understanding of decentralized governance. More details can be found here.
• Online Workshop with the Youth of Portuguese-Speaking Countries: This collaborative online workshop reached participants from five countries, promoting a broader understanding of decentralized governance across the Portuguese-speaking world. More information is available here.
• Presentation at ExpoBlockchain: A presentation was delivered at ExpoBlockchain, highlighting the initiatives of GovChainLab and engaging a diverse audience in discussions about decentralized governance. Details can be found here.

Profiles of Daniela Alves and Maria Carmo

• Maria Carmo: brings extensive and diverse experience within the Cardano ecosystem and Intersect, showcasing her unwavering commitment to promoting Cardano in Brazil. Her significant contributions include:
• Cofounder of Cardanistas Pool: This initiative plays a vital role in the Cardano network, contributing to transaction processing and educational content creation through weekly live sessions.
• Cofounder of Lovelace Academy: This platform provides free educational resources about Plutus, enhancing accessibility for the community.
• Cardano for Beginners Course: A practical introduction to Cardano available on Cardano Feed, aimed at helping newcomers navigate the ecosystem.
• Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/mariacarmo369

• Daniela Alves: A dedicated member of the Brazilian Cardano community since 2021, Daniela has actively contributed to Catalyst reviews and community events, focusing on decentralization and governance. As a pioneering member of Intersect, she has collaborated on projects aimed at expanding decentralized governance within the Cardano ecosystem.

Both Daniela and Maria’s active engagement in the Cardano community since its inception, alongside their roles as pioneering members of Intersect, establish a strong capability for delivering projects with trust and accountability.

Validation of Feasibility

To validate the feasibility of the approach and ensure continued success, the following strategies will be implemented:

1. Community Engagement Metrics: Regularly track participation levels in online and offline educational initiatives, assessing community involvement and interest.
2. Feedback Mechanisms: Collect qualitative and quantitative feedback from participants to gauge the effectiveness of educational resources and events. This will provide insights into areas for improvement and adaptation.
3. Promotional Campaign Monitoring: The planned promotional campaign at Shopping Cidade São Paulo will employ unique QR codes for each advertisement, allowing for precise tracking of engagement and conversion rates. This data will inform future marketing strategies and enhance overall campaign effectiveness.
4. Continuous Collaboration: Building on previous partnerships formed under the Intersect funding, ongoing collaborations with institutions such as Insper, ESPM, and the Institute of Technology and Society will ensure a strong support network, further validating the approach and enhancing credibility.

By leveraging proven expertise and effective strategies, the project aims to deliver a significant impact within the Cardano community, fostering informed participation in governance and strengthening the ecosystem as a whole.

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

Milestone 1: Planning and Preparation (Month 1)

Cost: 30%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Establish partnerships with local organizations in all cities (Manaus, Belém, Rio Branco, Porto Velho, Boa Vista, Macapá, Palmas).
• Confirm venues and dates for the workshops.
• Develop a communication and outreach plan for the workshops in each capital.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Formalized partnerships with at least one local partner per city.
• Venues confirmed for all workshops.
• Outreach plan finalized.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Copies of partnership agreements.
• Confirmation of workshop venues.
• Communication and outreach plan delivered.

Milestone 2: Workshops in Manaus and Belém (Month 2)

Cost: 20%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Conduct workshops in Manaus and Belém.
• Distribute educational materials.
• Collect feedback from participants.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of workshops in both cities.
• Participation of at least 70% of the expected audience.
• Feedback collected from at least 50% of participants.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Attendance lists and photos from the workshops.
• Results of the feedback collected.

Milestone 3: Workshops in Rio Branco and Porto Velho (Month 2-3)

Cost: 20%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Conduct workshops in Rio Branco and Porto Velho.
• Distribute educational materials.
• Collect feedback from participants.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of workshops.
• Participation of at least 70% of the expected audience.
• Feedback collected from at least 50% of participants.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Attendance lists and photos from the workshops.
• Results of the feedback collected.

Milestone 4: Workshops in Boa Vista and Macapá (Month 3)

Cost: 10%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Conduct workshops in Boa Vista and Macapá.
• Distribute educational materials.
• Collect feedback from participants.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of workshops.
• Participation of at least 70% of the expected audience.
• Feedback collected from at least 50% of participants.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Attendance lists and photos from the workshops.
• Results of the feedback collected.

Milestone 5: Workshop in Palmas (Month 4)

Cost: 10%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Conduct the workshop in Palmas.
• Distribute educational materials.
• Collect feedback from participants.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of the workshop.
• Participation of at least 70% of the expected audience.
• Feedback collected from at least 50% of participants.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Attendance list and photos from the workshop.
• Results of the feedback collected.

Final Milestone: Final Report (Month 4)

Cost: 10%

A: Milestone Outputs

• Prepare and submit a final report summarizing the entire project, including partnerships, attendance, feedback, and lessons learned.
• Provide an overview of the overall impact on the community.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Comprehensive final report that covers all project activities and outcomes.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Final project report submitted.

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

Our project team is composed of experienced professionals with a strong background in education, communication, and blockchain governance. Each member brings unique expertise to ensure the successful execution of this proposal. Below is a detailed breakdown of the team members and their roles:

1. Maria Carmo – Content Creator and Educator

• Role: Maria will be responsible for creating the educational content (tutorials, videos, and articles), managing the online workshops, and leading community engagement. She will ensure that all content is accessible and relevant to the community, particularly in the context of decentralized governance.
• Experience: Maria is a pioneer in the Catalyst Fund and a former Cardano Ambassador. She has extensive experience in creating educational materials and fostering community engagement within the Cardano ecosystem.
• LinkedIn Profile: Maria Carmo LinkedIn
• YouTube Channels: MariaCarmo369, Cardanistas

2. Daniela Alves – Communication and Governance Specialist

• Role: Daniela will manage external communication, partnerships, and community relations. She will focus on expanding our partnerships with other initiatives and educational institutions, ensuring that the content is aligned with the governance needs of the Cardano community.
• Experience: Daniela has a background in communication, governance, and education. She has appeared on Brazilian TV networks and taught at IBMEC-SP. Daniela is a dedicated participant in the Web3 space and has been actively involved in the Cardano community since 2021.
• LinkedIn Profile: Daniela Alves LinkedIn
• Public Mention of Governance Work: Twitter Link

Additional Recruitment:

• Skills Needed: We may recruit one or two additional team members if needed to support specific aspects of the project. We will be looking for the following skills:
• Video Editing and Content Production: To ensure that the tutorials and video content are professionally produced and optimized for online platforms.
• Community Management: To assist with engagement on Discord, Twitter, and other platforms, responding to feedback, and maintaining the momentum of the project.
• We have already engaged with key collaborators within the community and are in active discussions with potential contributors who possess these skills, ensuring they are willing and available to support the project when needed.

Technical Support and Community Engagement:

• We are actively engaged in several technical and governance-focused groups on Discord and Telegram channels related to Cardano and Catalyst. Through these groups, we maintain a direct line of communication with key members of the technical and governance community, which will help in delivering high-quality content and workshops that meet the needs of the broader ecosystem.

Transparency and Verification:

• All team members and contributors are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities within this project. We have taken the necessary steps to secure their commitment and ensure they have the capacity to support the initiative.
• Our team is ready for the necessary verifications and transparency processes required by Catalyst, and we will provide any additional information required for the funding approval.

By leveraging our combined experience, network of partnerships, and active community engagement, we are well-positioned to deliver this project effectively and with high levels of trust and accountability.

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

1. Workshop Planning and Preparation

• Partnership Coordination: 6,500 ADA ($2,237)
• Covers partnership agreements, local coordination, and planning across all cities.
• Venue Booking (7 Cities): 10,500 ADA ($3,615)
• Estimated at 1,500 ADA per venue, covering venue costs for all workshops.
• Communication and Outreach Plan Development: 2,000 ADA ($688)
• For the creation of a communication strategy to promote the workshops.

Total for Planning and Preparation: 19,000 ADA ($6,540)

2. Workshops in Manaus and Belém

• Facilitator Fees: 4,000 ADA ($1,377)
• 2,000 ADA per facilitator for two facilitators.
• Gifts for Participants: 1,500 ADA ($516)
• Small gifts or tokens for attendees to encourage participation and create goodwill.
• Travel and Accommodation: 6,500 ADA ($2,237)
• Travel and accommodation for two facilitators, including flights, lodging, and meals.

Total for Manaus and Belém: 12,000 ADA ($4,130)

3. Workshops in Rio Branco and Porto Velho

• Facilitator Fees: 4,000 ADA ($1,377)
• 2,000 ADA per facilitator for two facilitators.
• Gifts for Participants: 1,500 ADA ($516)
• Small gifts or tokens for attendees.
• Travel and Accommodation: 7,000 ADA ($2,581)
• Travel and accommodation for two facilitators, accounting for longer travel distances.

Total for Rio Branco and Porto Velho: 12,500 ADA ($4,474)

4. Workshops in Boa Vista and Macapá

• Facilitator Fees: 4,000 ADA ($1,377)
• 2,000 ADA per facilitator for two facilitators.
• Gifts for Participants: 1,500 ADA ($516)
• Small gifts or tokens for attendees.
• Travel and Accommodation: 7,500 ADA ($2,926)
• Travel and accommodation for two facilitators, covering flights, lodging, and meals.

Total for Boa Vista and Macapá: 13,000 ADA ($4,819)

5. Workshop in Palmas

• Facilitator Fees: 2,500 ADA ($861)
• 1,250 ADA per facilitator for two facilitators.
• Gifts for Participants: 1,000 ADA ($344)
• Small gifts or tokens for attendees.
• Travel and Accommodation: 5,000 ADA ($1,721)
• Travel and accommodation for two facilitators.

Total for Palmas: 8,500 ADA ($2,926)

6. Reporting and Project Close-out

• Final Report Preparation: 4,500 ADA ($1,549)
• Includes final report compilation and analysis.
• Community Engagement and Feedback Reporting: 3,500 ADA ($1,205)
• Engaging with the community and reporting outcomes.

Total for Reporting and Close-out: 8,000 ADA ($2,754)

7. Contingency Fund

• Contingency: 2,000 ADA ($688)

Total Budget: 70,000 ADA ($24,094)

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

The proposed project represents significant value for money within the Cardano ecosystem by focusing on an underserved region of Brazil, where awareness and understanding of blockchain technology, particularly Cardano, are limited. The costs associated with the workshops have been carefully calculated to ensure they are both reasonable and justified given the potential impact.

• Cost Justification: The budget includes expenses for venue rentals, materials, marketing, and logistics. Each of these costs has been benchmarked against local rates, ensuring that they reflect typical expenses in the region. For example, venue costs are based on standard pricing for community centers or educational institutions in each capital, while material costs are derived from average rates for printing and supplies. These calculations ensure that expenses align with local economic conditions.

• Potential Impact: Investing in these workshops offers substantial returns for the Cardano ecosystem by fostering a new generation of blockchain enthusiasts and professionals. By educating participants about Cardano's capabilities, we will not only expand the user base but also promote innovation within the local economy. This growth could lead to new projects and collaborations that harness the power of Cardano for social and economic development.

• Long-Term Benefits: The workshops will create lasting value by establishing a community of learners and practitioners who can contribute to the Cardano ecosystem beyond the workshops themselves. By training individuals in blockchain technology, we are laying the groundwork for future projects, startups, and collaborations, effectively multiplying the impact of the initial investment.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: To further demonstrate value for money, we will implement monitoring and evaluation processes throughout the project. This will include feedback collection from participants and tracking their subsequent engagement with Cardano. By measuring outcomes against our goals, we can provide transparency and accountability regarding the use of funds.

• Community Engagement: The project encourages active participation from local communities, ensuring that the workshops are relevant and beneficial to the participants. This community-driven approach not only enhances the value of the workshops but also ensures that the Cardano ecosystem is being expanded in a way that aligns with local needs and aspirations.

In summary, the costs associated with the Cardano workshops in Northern Brazil are justified by their potential for long-term impact, alignment with local economic conditions, and a commitment to building a vibrant, engaged community within the Cardano ecosystem.