The PolygonImpact Care Center

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The #PolygonImpact Care Center serves as a dynamic hub for startups, providing a central platform for them to explore diverse opportunities. Entrepreneurs can tap into a wealth of resources here, including insights into funding possibilities, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Learning) training, chances for networking with like-minded innovators, and expert technical support and mentoring as required. Our core mission is to bolster impact-driven projects built on Polygon, facilitating their growth and scalability. How Does it Work? The Polygon Impact Care Center utilizes a dedicated Slack channel as its primary communication platform. Within this channel, startups gain direct access to designated representatives from Polygon and Impact Plus, as well as the opportunity to network with each other. The Slack channel includes multiple tabs housing tracks that founders and entrepreneurs can join. The Slack channel will be overseen by a designated team member of Impact Plus. We aim to host at least two live sessions per month. Tracks International Development Acquire a comprehensive understanding of international development, gaining access to valuable resources, including reports, benchmarks, and the latest developments. Our aim is to ensure you achieve meaningful impact efficiently by following internationally accepted frameworks. Fundraising Overcome funding challenges with our high-quality sessions and resources designed to help startups strategically write grant proposals, identify grant opportunities, and secure the necessary funding for scaling your ventures. Equip yourself with expertise and discover relevant funding opportunities. MEAL MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Learning) is a powerful methodology for effective project management. This track offers startups tailored measurement tools to articulate their impact, enhance ethical standards, boost transparency, and secure funding from international development and humanitarian response donors. Are you a visionary startup founder within the blockchain space, striving to make a positive impact on the world? Scaling your initiative in the blockchain realm can be a daunting challenge. That’s where we come in. The #PolygonImpact Care Center is a collaborative effort between Polygon Labs and Impact Plus, designed specifically to empower impact-driven startups building on Polygon. Our mission is to provide you with the essential resources and support you need to thrive in the fast-paced world of International Development. Apply here:  

Blockchain technology arrives in Niger!

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Moment of pride for Polygon Labs, ImpactPlus.io, and The GeoAnalytics Center as we achieved national recognition by being featured on Niger’s national television! Collaborating closely with Niger’s “Agence Nationale pour la Societe de l’Information” and led by the visionary Ibrahima Guimba-Saidou, we orchestrated a significant national workshop with the goal of bolstering the establishment of a comprehensive blockchain national strategy. 🌐🔗 This landmark event yielded several pivotal takeaways:  1. Advancing Blockchain Strategy: The workshop attendees collectively shared insights and expertise on the potential of blockchain technology to propel Niger’s development forward. The discussions encompassed crucial steps required to formulate a holistic national strategy. Collaborating with the Niger government, this strategic approach is envisioned to be complemented by progressive legislation that facilitates the adoption and growth of blockchain. The participation of key stakeholders, including Niger’s Regulatory Agency (ARCEP), tech sector luminaries (Fatiman Alher, Latifa Yari, etc.), representatives from the private sector (Zamani Telecom, Banque BSIC, etc.), and academic institutions (African Development University (A.D.U.) and Université Abdou Moumouni, etc.), played an instrumental role in shaping the discourse. 2. Engaging with International Partners: The discussions transcended borders with the active involvement of international entities, including NGOs and organizations such as UNDP, Viamo, Mercy Corps, International Rescue Committee, and Save the Children – Niger. Through this collaborative engagement, a spectrum of use cases was explored, and specific opportunities for blockchain technology to address global challenges and effect tangible, positive change were identified. Key points from the discussion include: 1.- Working with the Niger gov to develop sound, progressive legislation. 2.- Carrying out discussions with international NGOs and int’l orgs to discuss use cases 3.- Training devs and creating a strong ecosystem. 3. Nurturing the Tech Ecosystem: Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to capacity-building, Polygon Labs and ANSI Niger have set their sights on the training of local developers. This strategic endeavor aims to equip them with the skills and knowledge imperative to drive innovation within the blockchain domain. By cultivating a robust ecosystem, our shared aspiration is to pave a sustainable path for technological advancement in Niger, propelling the nation towards establishing itself as a prominent tech hub within the region.   The convergence of visionary foresight and expertise inherent in this collaboration heralds a brighter future, where technology and innovation seamlessly intertwine to catalyze progress and prosperity, not only in Niger but also beyond its borders. 🌱🌍 We eagerly anticipate continued collaboration with esteemed Polygon colleagues such as Rebecca Rettig, Stefan Renton, Tony Olendo, Nikki Phelan, Saksham Taneja, and many others, united in our shared commitment to transforming these aspirations into impactful reality!  

Compliance and Regulation in the Kenyan Web3 Ecosystem

01 No poverty, 09 Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions, 17 Partnerships for the goalsLeave a comment

The Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill in Kenya has raised concerns among the cryptocurrency community about its potential impact on cryptocurrency taxation. We addressed these issues in an event attended by over 150 professionals in Nairobi and co-sponsored by Binance and Tether. The event focused on transparency, compliance, and regulation in the Web3 space. Paulo Ardoino, CTO of BitFinex Tether, delivered an online keynote emphasizing the company’s commitment to these elements. Other speakers discussed the theoretical framework of cryptocurrency regulation and the importance of fair taxation, highlighting past challenges as learning opportunities and forward-thinking jurisdictions such as El Salvador and CAR as leading the way in decentralized finance.  Compliance and Regulation in the Kenyan Web3 Ecosystem When: 27th January, 2023 Where: Africa Blockchain Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

Favelas for Blockchain

01 No poverty, 11 Sustainable cities and communities, 12 Responsible consumption and productionLeave a comment

Impact Plus has led a number of initiatives in favelas. This event, which took place in Rio das Pedras explored the potential of driving blockchain technology in community development in one of Brazil’s largest favelas. The event delved into themes such as the fundamental concepts of blockchain, the power of decentralization, and the unique characteristics of Web3 for social impact. The participation of residents from Rio das Pedras aimed to address the social and economic challenges they face and the potential of blockchain technology to improve their lives. Attendees fostered an interest in exploring the prospect of a social token to empower the community. More to follow… Favelas for blockchain! When: 26th November, 2022 Where:, Rio das Pedras, Brazil

Favelas for Blockchain: Morro dos Prazeres

01 No poverty, 04 Quality education, 10 Reduced inequalities, 11 Sustainable cities and communitiesLeave a comment

Inspired by the mission to make blockchain a more inclusive technology, Impact+ went to the Brazilian favela of Morro dos Prazeres, in Rio de Janeiro, to organize its first Web3 meetup. Favela residents were enthusiastic to learn about the technology, and to hear from community leaders with similar backgrounds who have leveraged Web3 to make a positive social impact. This included Carol dos Santos, from the favela Complexo do Chapadão, who runs the NGO Educar+, as well as Larissa Barros, who advocates for the inclusion of black and mixed communities in the blockchain ecosystem. Activity:  Blockchain brought to the favela of Morro dos Prazeres When:  30 August 2022 Where: Morro dos Prazeres, Rio de Janeiro,