People say you have to travel to see the world. Sometimes, I think that if you just stay in one place and keep your eyes open, you’re going to see just about all that you can handle. – Paul Auster
THE FACTORY
The Operations department (The Factory) at IkoCiti is designed to be a reliable and efficient support system for community-driven projects. By providing structured guidance, access to resources, and expert oversight, we empower Maveriqs and entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life. We understand that effective project management is crucial for achieving a sustainable impact. Our approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to learning and improvement.
We recognize that challenges will arise, and we are prepared to adapt and intervene as needed to ensure project success. Ultimately, our goal is to create a seamless and supportive environment where innovative ideas can flourish and contribute to the revitalization of neighborhoods. By focusing on practical execution and long-term sustainability, the Operations department plays a vital role in fulfilling IkoCiti's mission of creating meaningful and lasting change.
THE OPERATIONS BOROUGH
07.00.00 - The Operations Borough is the production center of IkoCiti, turning ideas into tangible Peoples' Impact. We support Maveriqs in their barrio rebuilding efforts through comprehensive project guidance—from ideation and team formation to funding, implementation, and maintenance. We facilitate valuable partnerships with entrepreneurs, connect projects to buyers through our marketplace, streamline procurement of materials, and provide recovery (Turnaround) services when needed. Our mission is to make the journey from concept to completed impact as smooth and successful as possible.
THE PROJECT IDEATION DISTRICT
07.01.00 - Project Ideation: This district focuses on the initial stage of project development. We provide resources and guidance to help Maveriqs conceptualize their project ideas. While encouraging alignment with the broader strategic goals (MM360), we also value individual initiative. The process is iterative, with feedback sought from various stakeholders, including potential buyers and the barrio itself. Our goal is to nurture practical, innovative solutions that effectively address community challenges while empowering local change-makers to take ownership of their vision from the earliest stages.
THE PI LITE DISTRICT
07.02.00 - Collaborative Project Development: Our Collaborative Project Development center creates powerful partnerships between Maveriqs and professional entrepreneurs. These collaborations provide hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship for rookie Maveriqs while enhancing overall project quality. We cultivate a robust ecosystem of affiliated entrepreneurs who can offer specialized expertise, innovative products, and valuable services to barrio projects. These partners are encouraged to continuously improve their offerings based on Maveriq and barrio feedback. Through API integration, they can directly offer solutions to barrios and potentially take on maintenance responsibilities for implemented projects. This collaborative approach strengthens our ecosystem while delivering better outcomes for communities.
THE MARKET ACCESS DISTRICT
07.03.00 - Market Access & Resource Acquisition: This center connects projects with the necessary resources and markets to achieve their full potential. We provide access to various markets for listing projects and negotiating with buyers, securing funding, and other essential support. Our goal is to empower projects by ensuring they have the means to succeed. Our experts assist with project listings, buyer negotiations, and the securing of essential resources through transparent market mechanisms.
THE PROCUREMENT DISTRICT
07.04.00 - Procurement & Logistics: Our Procurement & Logistics center streamlines resource acquisition through a carefully curated internal eCommerce Market. We select vendors based on business quality, fair labor practices, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and reasonable pricing policies. Whenever possible, we prioritize local businesses to strengthen community economies, even when they are slightly more expensive. Maveriqs handling execution are responsible for collecting purchased materials from designated locations and implementing appropriate security measures as part of their project plans. Our systems simplify the procurement process while incorporating valuable learning opportunities in resource management and logistics planning that build important skills for Maveriq teams.
THE IMPLEMENTATION DISTRICT
07.05.00 - Project Execution & Implementation: The Project Execution & Implementation center supports Maveriq teams as they bring their plans to life following successful funding. Each project is assigned a professional project manager who provides background oversight while allowing Maveriqs to lead the implementation process. This structure creates a safe space for learning—teams are permitted to make educational mistakes while the project manager ensures major failures are avoided. Our approach balances authentic hands-on experience with appropriate safeguards, creating valuable learning opportunities while still delivering the positive community impact promised to project funders. We believe this structured freedom is essential for developing capable barrio leaders.
THE PROJECT RECOVERY DISTRICT
07.06.00 - Project Recovery: When projects face serious challenges despite project manager oversight, Project Recovery provides intervention resources to get them back on track. In cases where projects are significantly underperforming, project managers may step in more directly—and in extreme situations, may replace the Maveriq team with specialized professionals to ensure delivery. We view empowerment as an opportunity rather than an entitlement and take our responsibility to funders seriously. However, we ensure Maveriqs from unsuccessful projects aren't stigmatized but instead encouraged to apply their learnings to new initiatives.
THE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT
07.07.00 - Project Maintenance & Barrio Assets. We focus on the long-term sustainability of implemented projects. We help develop comprehensive maintenance plans and foster community ownership that ensures lasting benefits. For larger projects designed by ecosystem partners or experienced Maveriqs who may not be equipped to provide ongoing maintenance, we develop alternative sustainability solutions. This center effectively manages a growing portfolio of barrio assets, safeguarding community investments and maximizing their long-term value. By addressing maintenance needs from the earliest planning stages, we ensure that the positive impacts of successfully implemented projects continue to benefit communities for years to come.
CONCLUSION
At IkoCiti's Operations Borough, we believe in the power of collaborative innovation. We're not just managing projects; we're building an ecosystem where community-driven solutions can flourish. Every project is a chance to create meaningful change, and we're here to make that journey as smooth and impactful as possible.
Together, we turn ideas into lasting impact.