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: Scale Up Alumni Nija Wiggins, owner of Corneey’s food truck, awarded $5,000 micro grant
North Philadelphia native Nija Wiggins is the owner of Corneey's, a food truck business that sells corn on the cob during the summer and fall season. Wiggins was awarded $5,000 as a micro grant from the Philadelphia Urban League through the national nonprofit Elevate...
Rediscovering Philadelphia’s Rich Historical Tapestry with Scott Matas
In the latest episode of *Scale Up Your Business*, we had the pleasure of hosting Scott Matas, a renowned local storyteller and transit activist, who delved deep into the historical underpinnings of Philadelphia, shedding light on how past influences can help shape a...
Impact Report: LA21-CDC donates laptops to the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA)
On December 23rd, 2023, to spread joy during the holiday season, LA21-CDC donated 6 laptops to the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA).