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3500 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104

+1 (215) 883 - 0109

la21info@la21philly.org

New Cohort Starting April 2025!

PHL Start-up Program

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New Cohort Starting April 2025!

Scale Up Your Small Business Program

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Unlocking Business Potential and Growth Through Access to Capital.

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Read about LA21’s latest work.

Activity on the Ave: LA21 Impact Reports

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Recently Released:

Scale up Program Impact Report & The State of Black Start-ups Report

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LA21-CDC & VERIZON PRESENT:

Verizon Small Business Ready Program

Find free courses, mentorship, networking and grants created just for small businesses.

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Business Training
Technical Assistance for Small Businesses
Community Development
Business Community

About Us

The Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association CDC (LA21) was founded in 2008 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity organization founded in Philadelphia and specifically serves the West Philadelphia community on Lancaster Avenue from 34th to Lansdowne streets (over 20 city blocks), Market Street from 34th to 38th streets and the surrounding neighborhoods. We are located in a federally mandated “Promise Zone” serving communities in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia and University City. We are a CDC (Community Development Corporation) business association representing businesses and organizations along the Lancaster Avenue corridor, a rich cultural, historic, and business hub. We are also a Registered Community Organization (RCO) representing Lancaster Avenue. Serving as an RCO allows us to engage our community with all zoning, land use and community development on and around Lancaster Avenue
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Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the training, resources, and environment to help new and established businesses address the difficulties of starting, maintaining, and navigating the necessary changes needed to foster successful business growth and economic betterment of the Lancaster Avenue corridor and the city of Philadelphia.
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Resources for Small Business Owners

Visit our Resources page to view helpful information for local business owners, direct and technical assistance options,  learn about philadelphia laws regarding small businesses, and find financing opportunities.

 

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LA21 News

Why Small Business Owners Need the Truth About Car Buying: Key Takeaways from John Rice – The Inside Man

by | April 27, 2025 | Podcast | 0 Comments

Unlock insider secrets to smarter car buying with John Rice, the “Inside Man,” on Scale Up Your Business. Discover how to avoid dealership pitfalls, understand leasing vs. financing, navigate warranties, and save thousands on your next car purchase. Perfect for business owners and anyone ready to take control of the car buying process. Listen now and scale up your automotive decisions!

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How the Philadelphia Small Business Catalyst Fund Can Boost Your Business

by | April 1, 2025 | Podcast | 0 Comments

Discover the Philadelphia Catalyst Grant! Learn how small businesses can access funding, support, and resources with expert advice from Leslie Acosta. Listen now!

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Silver Lining in Small Business

by | November 6, 2024 | Podcast | 0 Comments

Reframing Success with Silver Lining SLAP Methodology: A Beacon for Small Business Owners In the latest episode of the "Scale Up Your Business" podcast, titled “Silver Lining,” host Zakia Ringgold sits down with Carissa Reiniger, the inspiring CEO of Silver Lining, to...
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Marisia Robinson’s Journey from Corporate Life to Garden Guru

by | September 27, 2024 | Podcast | 0 Comments

Discover how Marisia Robinson of Seed, Weed, Reap turned her passion for gardening into a thriving business. From essential gardening tips to leveraging community, learn how she cultivates success and overcomes challenges.

Read More
Why Small Business Owners Need the Truth About Car Buying: Key Takeaways from John Rice – The Inside Man

Why Small Business Owners Need the Truth About Car Buying: Key Takeaways from John Rice – The Inside Man

by | Apr 27, 2025 |

Unlock insider secrets to smarter car buying with John Rice, the “Inside Man,” on Scale Up Your Business. Discover how to avoid dealership pitfalls, understand leasing vs. financing, navigate warranties, and save thousands on your next car purchase. Perfect for business owners and anyone ready to take control of the car buying process. Listen now and scale up your automotive decisions!

Silver Lining in Small Business

Silver Lining in Small Business

by | Nov 6, 2024 |

Reframing Success with Silver Lining SLAP Methodology: A Beacon for Small Business Owners In the latest episode of the "Scale Up Your Business" podcast, titled “Silver Lining,” host Zakia Ringgold sits down with Carissa Reiniger, the inspiring CEO of Silver Lining, to...

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