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
Impact Report: LA21-CDC Attends the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Second Annual Luncheon with Women Leaders: Women Who Advocate for Change”’
On Wednesday, March 27th, 2024, LA21-CDC traveled to Pennsauken, New Jersey, to attend the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia’s Annual Luncheon with Women Leaders: Women Who Advocate for Change. Speakers included Honorable Susan Chin Angulo,...
Impact Report: LA21-CDC hosts 2nd Annual Women Making It Happen 2024 Event recognizing Councilperson Jamie Gauthier
On Thursday, March 21st, 2024 at 5:30pm at 3500 Lancaster Avenue, LA21-CDC hosted women entrepreneurs in the greater Philadelphia metro area for the 2nd Annual Women Making It Happen event.
Impact Report: LA21-CDC hosts Black History Month themed ‘The State of Black Start-Up Businesses Panel’
On Thursday, February 28th, 2024, LA21-CDC hosted leaders in the small business ecosystem for an engaging panel at the CIC, located at 3675 Market Street.