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
4th District Container Village Business Assessment & Coaching Program 2025 Report
Learn how the 4th District Container Village is helping West Philadelphia entrepreneurs grow through retail incubation, one-on-one business coaching, and leadership development that strengthens long-term business success.
Scale Up Your Business Program 5 Year Report
Explore the Scale Up 5-Year Report, highlighting LA21-CDC's impact in empowering Philadelphia entrepreneurs through training, coaching, partnerships, and access to resources that help small businesses start, grow, and thrive. View the report in the interactive reader...
Capital Access Readiness Program Report
Discover how LA21-CDC's Capital Access Readiness Program (CARP) helped 100 Philadelphia small businesses build lender readiness through coaching, technical assistance, and financial education, leading to stronger business foundations and increased access to capital....