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
Change Program Launched!
Innovative Change program reflects LA21’s commitment to help all Philadelphians pursue their dream of small business ownership.
Pay The Bill Initiative 2020
Lancaster Avenue Business Association started the “Pay the bill program” as a way to help support various local businesses on Lancaster Ave recently. This program was established to help businesses pay a bill associated with their business.
Lancaster Avenue Re-Opening Fund
The Lancaster Avenue Re-Opening Fund is our way of giving back to businesses on Lancaster Avenue.