Our Projects
Joshua T. Smith Consulting is a forward-thinking business development firm committed to helping organizations, entrepreneurs, and changemakers grow with purpose and precision. We specialize in strategic planning, market positioning, and organizational design—supporting clients as they navigate complex challenges and scale their impact. Whether advising startups or established institutions, we bring a culturally grounded, data-informed approach to building strong, sustainable ventures.
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In addition to our core consulting work, we lead mission-aligned initiatives that reflect our broader vision. The Urban Research Lab explores the intersections of entrepreneurship, equity, and urban policy—producing original research to inform strategy and social innovation. Our philanthropic arm, the Paz Foundation, supports community-based programs that advance youth leadership, mental wellness, and African American heritage preservation. Together, these branches represent our commitment to business as a force for insight, equity, and lasting change.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Smith + Partners | Urban Research is a Black-led urban research firm dedicated to exploring and advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and intellectual thought within African American communities. We serve as a bridge between scholarship and strategy, blending rigorous research, cultural insight, and practical solutions to elevate Black voices in urban development, economic equity, and social innovation. Our work is rooted in a commitment to excellence, equity, and empowerment, with a focus on entrepreneurial ecosystems, education, creative economies, and the future of Black cities.
This commitment comes to life through our core activities. We:
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Conduct research on Black-owned business development and innovation
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Host forums and workshops for urban entrepreneurs and community leaders,
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Partner with organizations and institutions to amplify Black-led solutions
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Provide data-driven insights to shape equitable urban policy and best practices.
A central part of our mission is to empower the next generation of thought leaders. We are dedicated to helping early-career scholars grow into prominent figures in their fields. We provide them with opportunities to gain exposure and experience through a variety of initiatives, including:
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Dynamic Think Tanks and Workshops engineered to foster collaboration and innovation amongst urban thinkers and leaders.
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Invited Seminars intended to provide platforms for scholars to present their work and engage with a broader academic community.
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Fellowships designed to provide scholars the support and resources needed to thrive.
Ultimately, we’re thinkers, strategists, and advocates who are building the future we know is possible. We don't just conduct research; we cultivate the next generation of thought leaders who will make a lasting impact.
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Our Paz Foundation, is a mission-driven private operating foundation rooted in advancing equity, scholarship, and opportunity for historically marginalized communities. We design and support culturally grounded programs that empower youth, preserve African American heritage, and promote mental wellness and civic participation. Through a vision of peace with power—not passivity—we invest in people and systems that challenge injustice and build sustainable, community-led change.
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Our flagship initiatives include the Kingmakers: National Chess Tournament, which cultivates critical thinking, leadership, and intellectual confidence among youth of color, and the Urban Research Fellow program, which supports scholars and cultural workers preserving Black history and legacy. Guided by core values of justice, education, and cultural resilience, Our Paz Foundation nurtures ecosystems of transformation—where peace and progress are lived, led, and passed on across generations.