program-contract.md

# Startup Lump Sum Grant — Program Agreement

**Program:** Startup Lump Sum Grant
**Effective:** 1 July 2026
**Administering body:** Regional Development Office

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## 1. Purpose

1.1 This Agreement governs the administration of early-stage grants awarded under
the Startup Lump Sum Grant program.

1.2 Unlike milestone-based programs, an Award under this program is disbursed as a
single payment upon approval. There are no milestones and no staged release.

## 2. Definitions

2.1 "Award" means an approved allocation of funds to a single recipient under this
program.

2.2 "Recipient" means the entity named in the Award.

## 3. Lifecycle of an Award

3.1 Upon approval of an Award, the Program Officer shall queue it for payment. An
Award moves from *approved* to *payment pending*.

3.2 Finance shall issue the payment in full. Upon issue, the Award moves from
*payment pending* to *paid*.

3.3 There is no evidence review stage under this program. Recipients are subject to
post-award reporting under clause 6.

3.4 An Award shall be closed by the Program Officer once payment has been issued
and the recipient has confirmed receipt.

## 4. Authorisation

4.1 Every Award shall be approved by a Program Officer prior to payment.

4.2 No Award under this program shall exceed twenty-five thousand dollars
($25,000).

4.3 Awards under this program do not require a counter-signature.

## 5. Timeliness

5.1 Payment shall be issued to the recipient within five (5) days of the Award
being queued for payment. Where three days have elapsed without payment, the matter
shall be escalated to the Finance lead.

5.2 Recipients shall be notified of approval within five days of the decision.

## 6. Reporting

6.1 Recipients shall submit a short report on the use of funds within twelve months
of payment.

6.2 Reports submitted under clause 6.1 do not gate closure of the Award.