Have a quick question? See below for a list of frequently asked questions and their answers. And of course if you don't find it here, we're just a phone call or an email away.
Q: Our company is used to going into new countries and setting up shop. Why use Catalyst?
A: While many firms are experienced in moving to new places and getting started, it's a fact that it's expensive and sometimes, mistakes are made that cost more than money. Since Catalyst is already operating in the location you want to be, we've already learned the lessons and can pass along the security, peace of mind and savings to you. Don't pay to learn- we got this!
Q: Where can Catalyst operate?
A: Through our network of partner companies and suppliers, as well as our wholly owned and controlled business units, Catalyst can operate nearly anywhere. And we currently have operational HQs located in several Middle Eastern locations as well as spots throughout Central and South Asia including Pakistan.
Q: Why are your Life Support services different than a hotel?
A: It's true: Catalyst's Life Support program offers most services that a hotel could offer. However, we go much further to deliver solutions focused on your security, transportation, communication and other specific needs. And of course we are MUCH cheaper than a typical hotel.
Q: How long does it take to upgrade a residence to fully secure and livable (to Western standards)?
A: It depends on the job, of course. But typically, we ask our clients for just 18 days to fully secure a residence to DoS FP/AT standards and install all of the necessary equipment and upgrades so that our clients are safe, healthy and comfortable. However, we have had clients who needed access to their residence in less time and Catalyst delivered (our record is 9 days ?
).Q: What is Corporate Sponsorship and why do I need it in certain countries?
A: In some places, governments limit the influence individuals and companies have on their economy and country and force them to have local sponsors. In most cases, these sponsors own a minimum of 51% of all companies registered in that location. This is just too much liability for most firms to take on. Catalyst mitigates this risk by putting our trusted people in between you and the system. We provide the local sponsor as well as a legal sponsoring 'company' to 'employ' all of your staff working in country. This allows you to receive visas, work permits and access to many other mandatory bureaucratic functions so that your team can simply show up and get to work, without your company having to sign over any part of its charter to anyone.
Q: What modes of payment can you accept, and which currencies?
A: Catalyst accepts wire transfers and checks for corporate accounts. For personal accounts, we accept wire transfers, checks, credit cards and cash. And we're happy to run monthly accounts for our corporate and personal clients for all commissary and sundry services so that you don't need to worry about using local ATMs or writing too many checks. And we do accept most major currencies in cash or by wire transfer without currency-related transaction fees at a current exchange rate.
Q: In the proposal I received from Catalyst, there are some line items that are paid up front for the entire term of the contract and others that are paid monthly. Can you explain your payment terms?
A: Depending on the location, it is customary for everyone to pay for certain types of services, such as rents, up front and in full. If this is the case, and Catalyst is taking on the liability of leasing and managing a property not owned by Catalyst, then we may be responsible for paying for an entire term up front. Catalyst is simply passing on the standard terms for that location to our clients. However, many of the services we provide are scaled to suit the amount of persons/day that are in country or are based on service accounts that can be billed monthly. If this is the case, Catalyst will also bill monthly to ensure uninterrupted services.
Q: How big is Catalyst?
A: We are a small company, and this is our strength! With less than 100 full-time employees, we utilize scalable systems which allow us to be both one-of-a-kind and competitive with larger firms, providing superior and personal service with record-time turnaround.