"Empowering the Future: Promoting the Cardano Ecosystem for a Decentralized World"

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

FIRAOL GEZAHEGN & NATANIEM SEYOUM

[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)

Our solution is to create a bold, eyecatching billboard that showcases Cardano ecosystem, emphasizing its innovations in DeFi, smart contracts, NFTs, and sustainability, driving interest & engagement.

[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?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

We will make all billboard design assets, including graphics, slogans, and marketing materials, available under an open-source license. This will allow anyone to reuse, modify, and distribute the content to promote the Cardano ecosystem globally. The files will be shared in widely accessible formats (e.g., SVG, PNG, PDF) through platforms like GitHub or Cardano-focused repositories, ensuring transparency and community involvement. This open-source approach encourages collaboration and maximizes the reach of the campaign across different regions and platforms.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is to create a large-scale highway billboard campaign to raise awareness about the Cardano ecosystem, highlighting its key features such as decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts, NFTs, governance, and sustainability. The billboard will feature bold visuals, a concise and compelling message, and a clear call to action that directs viewers to learn more about Cardano through a website or QR code.

Key Elements of the Solution:

1. Core Message: Promote the scalability, sustainability, and innovation of the Cardano ecosystem, positioning it as the future of decentralized technology.

2. Design: Minimalist, high-impact design using the official Cardano color palette and icons representing DeFi, governance, NFTs, and more. The design will be easy to read from a distance.

3. Call to Action: A simple, engaging CTA (e.g., “Explore the Cardano Ecosystem”) with a website URL or scannable QR code for direct engagement.

4. Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, blockchain investors, and the general public, placed in high-traffic areas like tech hubs or financial districts.

5. Open Source: All design elements will be released as open-source assets, allowing the global community to replicate and localize the campaign.

This campaign aims to attract attention and drive engagement with Cardano, making it accessible to both crypto-savvy individuals and newcomers.

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

Our billboard campaign will create a widespread positive impact on the Cardano community by:

• l Raising Awareness: By promoting Cardano's ecosystem in high-traffic areas, we’ll increase visibility, attracting new users, developers, and investors. This broader awareness fuels adoption and encourages more people to explore Cardano's offerings.
• l Driving Adoption: The campaign will highlight Cardano's innovative solutions in DeFi, smart contracts, governance, and NFTs, encouraging users to participate in these areas. This increases usage across different sectors of the Cardano ecosystem.
• l Community Growth: A clear, informative call to action will lead people to Cardano's resources, helping them understand and engage with the blockchain. As a result, we’ll see an increase in developer contributions, stakeholder participation, and project development within the community.
• l Open Source Expansion: By releasing all marketing assets as open-source, other regions and communities can replicate the campaign, promoting Cardano on a global scale and driving localized marketing efforts without extra costs.

 

Overall, the campaign will accelerate Cardano’s growth, strengthen its ecosystem, and contribute to its long-term decentralized, sustainable development.

[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?

We’ll collaborate with trusted designers and marketing professionals experienced in creating impact-full billboard campaigns. The design will adhere to industry standards for readability and branding. To ensure feasibility:

1.Prototype Testing: We will test mock-ups digitally to validate their visibility, message clarity, and impact from various distances.

2.Placement Strategy: We’ll consult with advertising agencies specializing in billboard placements to choose high-traffic locations aligned with our target audience (tech hubs, finance areas).

3.Metrics: Performance will be measured through QR code engagement, traffic to the Cardano website, and social media mentions, helping us gauge audience interest and validate effectiveness.

 

By combining expertise, testing, and real-time feedback, we can ensure the project is not only feasible but also highly impactful.

 

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

 Research and Planning (Month 1):

· Market Research: Identify target audiences and the most effective high-traffic locations for billboard placement.

· Campaign Strategy: Finalize messaging, design themes, and calls to action aligned with Cardano's ecosystem goals.

· Partnerships: Collaborate with billboard advertising agencies and creative designers.

Design Development (Month 2):

· Concept Design: Create initial mock-ups and prototypes of the billboard with clear, concise messaging and visuals representing DeFi, NFTs, smart contracts, and governance.

· Community Feedback: Share designs with the Cardano community for feedback, ensuring the design resonates with Cardano’s values and message.

· Final Design: Refine and finalize the billboard design based on feedback.

 Testing and Approval (Month 3):

· Visibility Testing: Test mock-ups in digital simulations to ensure clarity, readability, and impact from different distances and angles.

· Compliance: Ensure the design complies with local billboard regulations and Cardano’s branding guidelines.

Billboard Deployment (Month 4):

· Billboard Placement: Secure and install billboards in chosen high-traffic locations.

· Launch Campaign: Launch the campaign with a targeted approach, ensuring billboards are up and QR codes or website links are live and functional.

 Tracking and Performance Evaluation (Month 5-6):

· Engagement Tracking: Monitor traffic generated through QR codes, website hits, and social media mentions.

· Community Involvement: Collect feedback from the community and track the increase in awareness and adoption.

· Performance Review: Assess the campaign’s reach, audience engagement, and overall effectiveness in promoting the Cardano ecosystem.

Open Source Release (Month 6):

· Asset Publication: Release all design assets and marketing materials as open-source resources on  our social media or Cardano repositories.

· Global Expansion: Encourage the global Cardano community to replicate and localize the billboard campaign.

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

1. Project Manager & Marketing Lead:

• Role: Oversees the entire project from concept to execution, ensuring alignment with Cardano's goals and timely delivery. Manages partnerships, budget allocation, and marketing strategy.
• Responsibilities:
• Develop the campaign strategy, messaging, and goals.
• Coordinate with designers, billboard agencies, and the Cardano community.
• Ensure the billboard design meets Cardano’s branding guidelines.
• Manage logistics, legal compliance, and performance tracking (e.g., QR codes, website traffic).
• Monitor campaign performance and gather insights for optimization.

1. Graphic Designer & Creative Lead:

• Role: Responsible for creating the visual elements of the billboard campaign, including graphics, icons, and the overall design that communicates the Cardano ecosystem's key features.
• Responsibilities:
• Design a high-quality, eye-catching billboard, incorporating Cardano’s branding and showcasing the ecosystem (DeFi, smart contracts, NFTs, governance).
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to ensure design clarity and impact.
• Conduct design testing for readability and visual appeal from different distances.
• Prepare the final design assets for open-source release (SVG, PNG, PDF).
• Support the community in localizing and replicating the design globally.

Together, the Project Manager ensures smooth execution, while the Graphic Designer creates a compelling, visually appealing billboard that promotes the Cardano ecosystem effectively.

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

Budget & Cost Breakdown for the Cardano Ecosystem Billboard Campaign:

1. Billboard Design & Creative Development:

· Graphic Designer Fee: $3,500 ada

o Creation of a high-quality billboard design, including visual elements (Cardano logo, DeFi, NFTs, smart contracts, governance icons).

o Design iterations based on feedback from the community and testing.

· Open Source Asset Preparation: $1,800 ada

o Optimize and prepare all design assets for open-source release (formats like SVG, PNG, PDF).

2. Billboard Placement & Installation:

· Billboard Rental Cost for annual: $22,000 ada

o Cost for a high-traffic location for a 1–2 month period, ensuring maximum visibility. Rates can vary depending on the city and location but would cover urban areas or tech hubs.

· Installation Fee: $2,000 ada

o Includes production and printing of the billboard graphics and installation on-site.

· Maintenance & Monitoring: $1,500 ada

o Periodic checks and maintenance to ensure the billboard remains in good condition during the display period.

3. Campaign Tracking & QR Code Integration:

· QR Code Setup: $895 ada

o Create and integrate QR codes that direct to Cardano’s website or a dedicated landing page.

· Tracking and Analytics Tools: $1700 ada

o Set up systems to track engagement through QR code scans, website traffic, and social media mentions, providing real-time data on campaign performance.

4. Project Management & Execution:

· Project Manager Fee: $3500 ada

o Oversight of campaign planning, timeline management, coordination with designers, billboard agencies, and community involvement.

· Legal and Compliance Fees: $1,000 ada

o Ensuring that the billboard complies with local regulations and advertising laws.

5. Contingency Fund: $2,800 ada

· A buffer for any unexpected costs such as additional design revisions, weather-related maintenance, or extended placement time.

Total Estimated Budget: $40,695 ada

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

The cost of this project offers excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to its wide-reaching, scalable, and long-term impact. Here's how:

1. High Visibility at Low Cost:

· Billboard Placement: For a relatively low upfront cost, a well-placed billboard can reach hundreds of thousands of people daily, providing ongoing exposure for weeks or months. This maximizes the investment by generating significant impressions over time, compared to short-term digital ads.

2. Targeted Audience:

· Placing the billboard in high-traffic areas frequented by tech professionals, crypto enthusiasts, and investors ensures that the message reaches the right people, increasing the likelihood of engagement and adoption of Cardano’s ecosystem.

3. Scalable Global Impact:

· Open Source Assets: By making all design materials open source, the campaign can be replicated by communities worldwide, expanding the impact without additional costs. This provides long-term marketing leverage far beyond the initial budget, empowering local Cardano communities to promote the ecosystem in their regions.

4. Long-Term Adoption Growth:

· The billboard focuses on Cardano’s key innovations like DeFi, smart contracts, governance, and sustainability, driving interest from developers, investors, and users. As more people become aware of and adopt Cardano, the ecosystem’s value and activity increase, contributing to its long-term growth and sustainability.

5. Measurable Results:

· The budget includes costs for tracking engagement through QR codes, website visits, and social media mentions, allowing for clear measurement of the campaign’s success and ensuring the investment delivers tangible results.

6. Efficient Use of Resources:

· By focusing resources on core essentials like design, strategic placement, and tracking, the project ensures that each dollar is spent where it can generate the highest return in terms of exposure, engagement, and community growth.

In summary, this project delivers high value for money by combining wide audience reach, long-term global scalability, and measurable impact—all contributing to Cardano’s overall growth and adoption at a relatively modest cost.