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: Pep rally ambassadors
Friday, May 16 at 10 am. LA21 cleaning ambassadors participated in the Annual TCB pep rally. There were over 400 cleaning ambassador teams in attendance. We received a certificate from the Mayor's Office for the hard work done by the team.
Impact report: Plant and people
On Sunday, May 25th, Plant and People, the newest green haven on Lancaster Avenue, hosted a vibrant free plant giveaway at 3952 Lancaster Ave. And the best part? This event happens every other month! If you have plants that aren’t thriving or ones you no longer want,...
Impact Report: Urban Harvest Fest
The Urban Harvest Fest, held May 24–25, 2025, at the 4th District Container Village, brought together approximately 250 residents for a vibrant celebration of agriculture, wellness, literacy, and entrepreneurship. Local Black farmers sold fresh, affordable produce to...









