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: 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...
Impact report: Grand Opening of New Business On Lancaster Ave Business Corridor
LA21 welcomed the “Plant and People” grand opening on Saturday, April 19, at 10:30m was The grand opening of the “Plant and People” location: 3962 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA. This legacy business, owned and operated by my mother and daughter team headed by...
Impact Report: 2025 Hip Hop Olympics
The 2025 Hip Hop Olympics was an electrifying and inspiring showcase of youth creativity, talent, and cultural pride, held on Friday, May 23, at the 4th District Container Village. Conceived and organized by Brother OBA, a dedicated educator at Southwest Leadership...