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
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.
LA21 Funders & Partners
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LA21 News
PODCAST: Starting a Business from a Negative Experience: Tales from a Successful Balloon Retailer and Scale-Up Program Graduate
Discover the inspiring story of a successful balloon and gift basket business owner who turned a negative experience into a thriving retail business. Learn about the challenges of running a business and valuable advice from Tamika, a Scale Up program graduate.
City of Philadelphia Introduces Commerce Department Tax Service
The Department of Commerce offers Tax Services for small businesses through the Business Technical Assistance Program (BTAP). Limited number of eligible business will be assisted during this tax season. The program partners with professional accounting firm to provide...
Overcome Common Business Challenges with Our Technical Assistance
Our Technical Assistance is designed to help you overcome business challenges. Learn more about the benefits of TA.