Are you a small business owner in Philadelphia seeking actionable ways to build, grow, and sustain your business? This episode of the Scale Up Your Business podcast is must-listen material! Zakia Ringgold sits down with Kwaku Boateng, CEO and President of LA21 Community Development Corporation (CDC), to explore what it truly takes to strengthen commercial corridors and empower entrepreneurs at every stage.
In This Episode: The Power of Building an Inclusive Business Ecosystem
From its beginnings as a business association on Lancaster Avenue, LA21 has expanded into a vital business development hub. The organization is dedicated to supporting not just businesses along the corridor, but also the wider community, delivering programs and initiatives that catalyze economic growth while honoring the area’s historic legacy.
Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss
1. LA21’s Unique Approach
- Combining corridor management with hands-on business support and technical assistance
- Deep partnerships with the City, foundations, and other stakeholders
2. Business Growth Programs
- Tiered programs spanning the full entrepreneurial journey:
- Start Up Your Business: For those at the idea stage
- Scale Up Your Business: For businesses ready to grow
- The Bridge Program and Capital Access Readiness: Targeted support for marketing, funding readiness, and business transformation
3. Ongoing Coaching & Support
- Free global online coaching, technical assistance, and business exchange programs ensure entrepreneurs get help when and where they need it—not just once.
4. Revitalization of Lancaster Avenue
- Beautification projects, safety improvements, and active corridor management make Lancaster Avenue a more welcoming place to open, invest, or expand a business.
5. Overcoming Barriers
- Tackling challenges like rising rents, tax readiness, and access to capital, with LA21’s programs designed to help small businesses thrive in a changing economic landscape.
Why Listen? What’s In It for You
- Learn how local organizations can serve as powerful allies for your growth.
- Hear real, field-tested strategies to move from home-based business to thriving storefront, without going it alone.
- Discover fresh resources, technical assistance, grants, targeted workshops—to turn ambition into sustainable success.
- Get inspired by the stories of transformation happening right in your community.
Featured Quotes
“Our goal is for you to be making millions of dollars, and maybe down the line you can contribute to one of our programs to help others scale.” — Kwaku Boateng ()
“If you are a small business owner, I highly recommend that you go to Scale Up. I had attended six or seven entrepreneurship training programs before LA21 – Scale Up really put me on a path.” — Zakia Ringgold ()
How to Get Involved
- Explore LA21’s programs: la21philly.org and global coaching at community.la21philly.org
- Connect for coaching, office hours, or upcoming events
- Subscribe to the podcast for future episodes featuring local business owners and ecosystem leaders
Ready to take your business—and your community—further? Listen to the full episode and find out how LA21 CDC and the Scale Up Your Business Podcast can help you level up, right here in Philadelphia.
Recent Comments