We develop economic & community development strategies alongside academic, public sector, private sector and non-profit partners with equity and belonging at the forefront.

Leslie delivers a keynote speech at Memphis Demo Day.
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At Themis Strategic Partners, we are committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth while advancing justice and equity in all our endeavors. Together we can build a more just and inclusive world for current and future generations.

Our work falls into the following three categories:

1. Unlocking Regional Potential for Inclusive Growth

We partner with economic ecosystem leaders to deeply understand their regions' strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Together, we design actionable strategies that foster just, inclusive, and resilient growth while engaging all stakeholders in the planning and execution process.

Impact: Over the past year, we’ve collaborated with leaders in Pittsburgh, Memphis, Birmingham, and Detroit to:

  • Map and analyze ecosystem players.

  • Survey entrepreneurial experiences.

  • Co-create strategic goals.

  • Design targeted interventions to achieve those goals.

  • Implement measurement and evaluation processes.

Our transparent and collaborative process prioritizes belonging and psychological safety for all community members throughout planning, design, and implementation.


2. Strategic Planning for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Hubs and Organizations

We work hand-in-hand with communities to craft multi-year strategic and implementation plans for entrepreneur and business support organizations. These hubs of activity play a vital role in driving local growth and are integral to executing the strategies we co-develop.

Impact:

  • In Detroit, we recently crafted a strategic plan for a Tech Equity Center set to launch in Q2 2025.

  • In Birmingham, AL, we supported the launch of a Black Business Growth Hub in Q3 2024, seeded with investments from a local anchor institution and a Federal Recompete Grant.

3. Executive Coaching and Strategic Support for Transformational Growth

We provide personalized, high-impact support to CEOs, boards, and executive directors of existing entrepreneurial and business support organizations, start-ups, and community non-profits.  Our services include:

  • Refining and clarifying organizational strategy

  • One-on-one executive coaching

  • Crafting and executing detailed plans to secure new investments

  • Building and engaging boards and team culture

  • Professionalizing processes

  • Expanding brand recognition and thought leadership

  • Measuring and evaluating impact

Our approach strengthens the capacity of the C-suite while positioning organizations for transformational growth. It is flexible and free of fixed long-term overhead.

Meet our Founder >

Thought Leadership >

"Every region is rich with creative and courageous individuals eager to build a thriving, equitable, and loving community. When we listen with empathy, co-create with intent, and center our work on the community, there’s no limit to the magic we can achieve together." – Leslie Lynn Smith, Founder

To go far, go together.

"Every region is rich with creative and courageous individuals eager to build a thriving, equitable, and loving community. When we listen with empathy, co-create with intent, and center our work on the community, there’s no limit to the magic we can achieve together." – Leslie Lynn Smith, Founder To go far, go together.