Nurturing and Supporting both Main-Street and Home-based Businesses.
The Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association, CDC (LA21) was founded in Philadelphia in 2008 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves over 20 blocks along Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia, as well as being a city-wide business resource.
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 is to provide the training, resources, and environment to help new and established small 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-CDC By the Numbers
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LA21 Funders & Partners
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LA21 News
Impact Report: MLK Event
Freedom Now Fest celebrates 60th Anniversary of MLK's Legacy on Lancaster Avenue" On Sunday, August 3rd, the MLK community commemoration committee proudly hosted the Freedom Now Fest, marking the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's, historic "Freedom Now"...
Impact Report: Beyond The Bars
This event was a powerful moment for community-driven change in Philadelphia. On August 1, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Community Education Center (CEC) at 3500 Lancaster Ave to celebrate Beyond the Bars, a nonprofit that uses music and mentorship to...
Impact report: Jazz Festival
Saturday, July 19th, the annual Lancaster Ave Jazz Festival, bought music, energy, and community spirit to life. It was a vibrant day, filled with entertainment, fun and sun. La 21 hosted a table at the event, sharing details about upcoming programs and services...