Donate to LA21 to Support Local Small Businesses!

3500 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104

+1 (215) 883 - 0109

la21info@la21philly.org

Recently Released!

LA21-CDC 2024 Annual Report

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Read about LA21’s latest work.

Activity on the Ave: LA21 Impact Reports

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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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Registration

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.

 

LA21 Funders & Partners

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LA21 News

Impact Report: Volunteer Cleanup & Neighborhood Beautification at the 4th District Container Village in West Philly

by | May 6, 2025 | impact report, LA21 News | 0 Comments

On Saturday, April 19th, 15 youth volunteers from Net Youth Services visited the 4th district container village at 4862 Parkside Avenue for a neighborhood clean-up alongside LA21-CDC cleaning ambassadors. They helped clean the surrounding area, designed the large...
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2024 Annual Report

by | April 30, 2025 | LA21 News, LA21 Reports & Publications | 0 Comments

Read the LA21-CDC 2024 Annual Report through the interactive reader below, or download a copy here....
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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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Cleaning up the Avenue!

Cleaning up the Avenue!

by | Oct 6, 2020 |

We are proud to announce that LA21-CDC has received a renewed cleaning grant from the Commerce department through the PHL TCB Clean Corridors program to extend our cleaning contract boundaries. We are now responsible for cleaning 34th street and Lancaster to Lansdowne and Lancaster. We are currently responsible for about 20 city blocks and within two city council districts (3rd & 4th districts)

Upcoming CHANGE Pilot Program Overview

Upcoming CHANGE Pilot Program Overview

by | Oct 4, 2020 |

Despite  the  existing  resources  in  Philadelphia  for aspiring entrepreneurs, the number of diverse business owners within the city is strikingly low.  There is a gap in services for many people who seek help in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Philadelphia, because they are viewed as “not ready.” We have designed this program specifically to reach and serve this group; it is client-centric, trauma-informed and based on a deep understanding of change methodology.

Years of Experience

Registered Businesses

Entrepreneurs Helped

LA21 Members