Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposed solution is a user friendly printing service that simplifies ordering, similar to social media interfaces, through our upcoming website and telegram channel. We perceive the problem as small businesses struggling with access to affordable, high quality print materials. By making the ordering process seamless and accessible, we aim to empower these businesses to enhance their marketing efforts without hassle.

We will engage small business owners, entrepreneurs and local communities, offering them a reliable resource for their printing needs. Our impact will be demonstrated through increased sales and customer satisfaction, What sets our solution apart is its ease of access and integration with digital platforms, enabling users to place orders effortlessly. This is crucial for the Cardano ecosystem as it promotes local economic growth and fosters a vibrant community, aligning with Cardanos mission to empower users through innovative technology. Also lots of cardano community in Ethiopia use printing service so they can access our printing service easily with a discount and also we will start making comic like books that teach about blockchain specifically about Cardano

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

Our project will positively impact the Cardano community by offering discounts to Project Catalyst proposers for educational materals and various printing services, including banners and T shirts. This initiative will help them achieve their goals while promoting Cardanos visibility. Additionally we will introduce unique Printed Guides and Tutorials on how to use Cardano, participate in the ecosystem or even how to create NFTs. These can be valuable resources for new users, allowing artists to authenticate their work through Cardanos blockchain and host design contests to elevate local talent.

Measuring Impact:

We will assess our impact through both quantitative metrics, such as the number of discounts provided, orders fulfilled and participation in design contests, as well as qualitative feedback from users regarding satisfaction and community engagement.

Value to the Cardano Community:

Print Packs for Cardano Events Develop print packs specifically for Cardano meetups, conferences or events, including flyers, banners and other materials, showcasing your commitment to the community.

Success will enhance local entrepreneurship and foster a stronger sense of community within Cardano, contributing to its overall growth and visibility.

Priority for Catalyst Projects: Offer discounted or pro bono printing services for initiatives funded through Catalyst to help them promote their work.

Sharing Outputs:

We will share our findings and success stories through social media, our website and community forums, highlighting participant testimonials and showcasing winning designs to further promote local artists and initiatives within the Cardano ecosystem.

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?

The Printing team has extensive experience in providing printing services for various industries. We will validate our approach by tracking the number of printed materials distributed, community feedback and participation in Cardano events.

Our team is uniquely positioned to execute this project, combining expertise in educational content creation, software skills and high quality printing services. Each member brings specialized skills and a proven track record in managing similar initiatives within the education sector and blockchain ecosystems. This diverse experience equips us to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability.

Team Expertise:

• Surafel Desalegn: Our Project Lead, Social Media Manager, and Trainer, is a Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) with extensive experience in the crypto space and a first degree in Business Management and also a great software skill in Adobe. Surafel is responsible for overall managment, preparing everything about cardano materials, budget management and communication with the community.
• Amanuel Elias: Also a Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA), Amanuel also has years of experience in the crypto space and is dedicated to fostering blockchain education in Ethiopia. With certifications in Android Development and Data Analysis from Udacity, he actively engages in the Cardano community.
• Kalkidan Desalegn: Sales and marketing officer

Proven Experience: We have successfully managed and delivered numerous printing projects in the past. Our portfolio highlights our capability to handle diverse printing needs, including complex designs and large scale production. This experience positions us as reliable provider, capable of ensuring high quality output and on time delivery.

• Partnerships: We are in active discussions with several organizations and institutions that require printed materials for various purposes such as educational content, marketing collateral, and event-related prints. These collaborations validate the demand for our printing services and enhance the likelihood of consistent project engagement.

Trust and Accountability:

To ensure transparency and responsible fund management for our printing services, we will implement the following measures:

1. Milestones and Reporting: We will provide regular updates on project progress, covering each phase from the place of design to printing and distribution. Our reports will include detailed feedback from clients and end users, as well as the number of printed products delivered, encompassing items such as brochures, banners and custom prints.
2. Detailed Budget Tracking: We will utilize comprehensive financial tracking tools to monitor all expenditures related to printing services, ensuring funds are allocated as per the approved budget. Regular audits and reports will be shared to backers to maintain complete transparency.

• With our combined experience, planning and commitment to transparency and accountability, we are confident in our ability to deliver this printing service project effectively and build strong relationships based on trust and high quality service delivery.

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

Milestone 1: Our project with four months until launch, we need to define clear and strategic milestones that will guide us to successful business opening. These milestones should encompass operational setup, marketing, testing and final preparations. Below is proposed milestone structure with acceptance criteria that align with the requirements for the grant proposal:

Business and Operational Setup (1-4 weeks)

• Secure a business location (lease agreement signed and facilities arranged).
• Purchase or lease printing equipment (e.g., printers, cutting machines, binding equipment).
• Establish partnerships with suppliers for paper, ink, and other materials.
• Hire essential staff (e.g printing technicians, customer service representatives).

Acceptance Criteria:

• Business location secured and lease agreement signed.
• Equipment installed and ready for initial testing.
• Supplier agreements in place with initial stock of materials received.
• At least 60% of the staff required for operations hired and onboarded.

Milestone 2: Branding and Marketing Launch (4-8 weeks)

• Develop the companys branding logo, website, social media profiles, etc.
• Create marketing materials (business cards, brochures, online advertisements).
• Launch a local awareness campaign (both digital and physical).
• Network with local businesses for potential B2B contracts.
• Design promotional materials (flyers, posters, banners) to advertise ADA acceptance and blockchain related discounts to Ensure the Cardano branding (logo, colors, and messaging) is consistent in all marketing efforts.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Branding assets created and finalized.
• Website and social media platforms active with content.
• Marketing campaigns launched, and at least 10 initial customer leads generated.

Milestone 3: Service Testing and Soft Launch (8-12 weeks)

• Conduct internal tests on all printing processes to ensure quality and consistency.
• Organize soft launch event for select customers and businesses.
• Collect feedback from initial customers to refine services and workflows.
• Discount Structure for Blockchain Customers Define the discount policy for blockchain related customers (e.g 20% discount for payments made in ADA or for blockchain project partners) Develop clear loyalty program that rewards frequent blockchain customers with ADA based promotions.
• Launch ADA Payments Activate the ADA payment system for both online and in store purchases and invite cardano communities to try the service.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful internal tests completed with satisfactory results for at least 5 different print products.
• Soft launch event held with attendance of at least 15-20 invitees.
• Feedback collected from at least 10 customers, and service adjustments documented.
• Finalized service menu and pricing based on customer insights.

Milestone 4: Scaling and Long-Term Strategy (12 - 14weeks)

Goal: Scale the business by fully integrating blockchain payments and explore additional blockchain related services

Deliverables:

1. Broader Acceptance of ADA Expand the use of ADA payments to cover more product lines and custom printing services, catering to a broader range of blockchain clients.

2. Additional Services for Blockchain Companies Introduce tailored services for blockchain startups, such as ICO marketing packages, NFT promotion materials, and whitepaper printing.

3. Blockchain and ADA Education Create educational materials for customers interested in learning how to pay with ADA and why blockchain technology is advantageous Host workshops or webinars in partnership with Cardano community leaders to spread knowledge about blockchain’s role in business, and promote Cardano adoption.

4. Partnership Development Continue building partnerships with blockchain projects and Cardano related ventures. Offer special bulk-order printing services or co-sponsorship deals for blockchain events.

5. Evaluation and Future Goals Evaluate the financial and customer growth driven by ADA payments Set long-term goals to position the printing house as a leading blockchain friendly business in the region, possibly expanding to accept other cryptocurrencies in the future.

Final Milestone: Final : Grand Opening and Project Close-out ( 15 - 16 weeks)

Description:

• Adjust pricing models and service offerings based on feedback.
• Hold a grand opening event with local media coverage.
• Finalize any pending supplier or customer contracts.
• Document the project outcomes in a detailed close out report.
• Produce a project video summarizing the journey, milestones achieved and lessons learned.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Grand opening event held with minimum of 15 attendees and positive media or community engagement.
• Submission of the Project Close out Report detailing key achievements, challenges and future roadmap.
• Completion of Project Video) showcasing the business setup, operations, and customer testimonials.

Our milestone plan ensures that the project has structured approach to launching the printing service with defined success criteria at each stage to demonstrate progress and completion.

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

• Mr. Surafel Desalen Project leader, Content Creator

Cordinator, Budget manager, Editing and Managing all hardware and software

• Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/ surafel-405714191
• Mr. Amanuel Elias Technical Lead, Supervisor, Inventory Management and Organizer

and we will also hire more peoples.

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanuel-elias-858113235
• Ms. Kalkidan Desalegn Marketing & Sales officer, Organizer & Budget managing and overall supervision

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Cost Breakdown for Teaching Program ₳98600 *

0.35= $34,510

1. Initial Setup and Infrastructure Costs

• Office and workshop rental for 6months Cost: ₳22,857
• Primary Commercial Printer: single, reliable, multifunction commercial printer to cover most printing needs. Cost: ₳20,000
• Website Development and Order Management: Basic website setup with essential e-commerce features. Cost: ₳5714
• Order Management System Integration: Integration of basic order tracking and customer interface. Cost: ₳4285.
• Computers and Workstations: Purchase of two essential workstations for order management and design. Cost: ₳5714
• Office Setup: Minimum office setup with essential equipment and furniture. Cost: ₳4285

2. Operational Costs:

• Sales & Marketing (Part Time or Contract Basis): Hiring a part time or contract based sales and marketing officer Cost: ₳10,000 annually
• Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist (Freelancer): Hire freelance marketer for targeted campaigns. Cost: ₳5715

3. Marketing, Publicity and Community Engagement:

• Basic Online Advertising: Focused advertising on Google and social media platforms. Cost: ₳2857
• Engagement and opening ceremony. Cost: ₳5714
• Printed Promotional Materials: Essential promotional materials to raise awareness. Cost: ₳2857

4. Documentation and Reporting: Regular Updates and Community Engagement: Simplified project reporting and community updates. Cost: ₳2857

5. contingency plan: Cost :₳5715

No dependencies.

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Our project represents strong value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by providing critical services that will enable local community growth, enhance business operations and promote sustainable economic activity. The costs have been carefully estimated based on industry standards, typical market rates and operational requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of how each category of expenses supports value for money:

1. Initial Setup and Infrastructure Costs

The initial setup costs, including office rental, equipment purchases, and office setup, are necessary to ensure the printing service operates at a high standard, delivering reliable and quality products to customers. We have chosen cost effective solutions that balance quality with affordability:

• Office Rental: The cost of $8000 for 6 months is benchmarked against average office rental prices in our target location. This is reasonable investment to secure a strategic location that provides easy accessibility to local businesses and individuals.
• Primary Commercial Printer: $7000 investment in multifunctional commercial printer is justified by its ability to handle high volume and diverse printing needs. This ensures that the project can handle a broad range of services, from small-scale flyers to large scale banners, maximizing revenue streams.
• Website Development and Order Management: The $2,000 ensures the business can offer an online ordering system, which is essential in todays digital first environment. By streamlining customer interactions the business can minimize manual workload and provide an excellent customer experience.
• Order Management System Integration: At $1500 this cost is competitive for software integrations that enable order tracking and customer management. This will reduce errors and improve operational efficiency, representing excellent value for a smoother customer experience.

These initial investments establish the business foundation, reducing long term operational costs and creating scalable model for future growth.

2. Operational Costs

• Sales & Marketing: Hiring par time or contract based marketing officer at $5000 annually is aligned with average market rates for part time professionals. By engaging a dedicated marketing officer, the business ensures a steady flow of clients, maximizing capacity utilization and revenue.
• Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist: The $2000 budget for freelance marketer enables targeted campaigns to promote services effectively. Leveraging freelance services provides flexibility and access to specialized skills without the overhead of full-time employment, making it a cost-effective approach.

3. Marketing, Publicity, and Community Engagement

• Basic Online Advertising and Promotional Materials: Investing $1000 in advertising and $1000 in printed materials supports efforts to raise awareness about the business. These costs are in line with standard marketiing expenses and are expected to yield a high return by securing new clients.
• Engagement and Opening Ceremony: the $2000 cost for an opening ceremony will establish the brand in the community, attracting media attention and fostering local partnerships. This is one time expense that will have lasting effects on brand visibility and customer acquistion.

4. Documentation and Reporting

• Community Engagement and Reporting Costs: $1000 allocated for community engagement and reporting ensures transparency and regular communication with stakeholders. This supports the Cardano ecosystem by providing updates on project progress and encouraging wider adoption of services.

5. Contingency Plan

• Contingency Budget: A $2000 contingency budget is reserved for unexpected costs. This is a prudent practice that ensures project stability and continuity without compromising on quality.

Justification and Context

Our overall cost structure is designed to be competitive and aligned with the local market rates and typical costs in the printing industry. The projects expenses have been benchmarked against industry standards and similar projects to ensure that each investment maximizes our business value.

• Equipment Costs: The pricing for commercial printers and computers was determined based on market research and quotations from reputable suppliers. This ensures that we are not overspending but also not compromising on the quality needed to serve a diverse range of printing needs.
• Staffing and Freelance Rates: The salaries and freelance fees were calculated based on the average wage in our country, considering the cost of living and industry benchmarks. For instance, the cost for a freelance marketer falls within the standard hourly rates for marketing professionals, ensuring competitive compensation while maintaining budgetary discipline.
• Operational Efficiency: By investing in integrated systems (order management and website integration), the business can automate many processes, reducing the need for additional staffing and lowering long-term operational costs.

Value for the Cardano Ecosystem

Our project represents value for the Cardano ecosystem in the following ways:

• Local Economic Empowerment: By establishing local business, we support job creation and economic growth within the community.
• Promotion of Cardano Projects: As a printing service, we can support the marketing and promotion of other Cardano-related initiatives, offering discounts or collaborative marketing opportunities.
• Using ADA as a payment system
• Selling comic kind of books about cardano blockchain and how to use it
• Sustainable Practices: Our focus on quality and efficiency reduces waste, aligning with Cardanos values of sustainability and responsible resource management.