The event represented a commitment to global partnerships by both Bank of the West and parent company BNP Paribas. The 24 women in the entrepreneur program come from the United States, France, Italy, Belgium, Hong Kong and Singapore, and will attend a one-week certification program at Stanford Campus created to promote women entrepreneurship.
At Bank of the West’s new wealth management center client grand opening event, at 531 Cowper Street in Palo Alto, they had the opportunity to network with Bank of the West clients based in Silicon Valley.
"Bank of the West has always sought to promote innovation," said John Bahnken, senior executive vice president and head of the Wealth Management Group. "We serve businesses at all stages of development across our various divisions. As a community-oriented bank with the international ties of BNP Paribas, we offer unique resources to help entrepreneurs expand their companies."
Following the event, the women participating in the program will spend the remainder of their week at nearby Stanford University, where they will be taking classes examining strategic leadership and team engagement, among other topics, with Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty members.
"This program illustrates the international scope of Bank of the West’s wealth management expertise," said Sofia Merlo, co-head of BNP Paribas Wealth Management. "These women lead international and fast-growing businesses, and each of their companies employ different strategies to adapt and grow with their home markets.
"Bank of the West has cultivated expertise in helping entrepreneurs involved in the technology sector grow their businesses. Combining this experience with the international reach offered by BNP Paribas, this group of women will gain unique insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurship today."
