Gain tools to access financial capital to propel your business forward.

Financing Your Business

New class starting September!

Retail Start-up 101

New Cohort Starting September!

PHL Start-up Program

New Cohort Starting September!

Scale Up Your Small Business Program

Unlocking Business Potential and Growth Through Access to Capital.

Sign Up for the PHL-CARP Program

Read about LA21’s latest work.

Activity on the Ave: LA21 Impact Reports

Recently Released:

Scale up Program Impact Report & The State of Black Start-ups Report

LA21-CDC & VERIZON PRESENT:

Verizon Small Business Ready Program

Find free courses, mentorship, networking and grants created just for small businesses.

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.

Resources for Small Business Owners

Visit our Resources page to view helpful information for local business owners, direct and technical assistance options,  learn about philadelphia laws regarding small businesses, and find financing opportunities.

 

LA21 Funders & Partners

JOIN LA21 TODAY!

LA21 News

Marisia Robinson’s Journey from Corporate Life to Garden Guru

Discover how Marisia Robinson of Seed, Weed, Reap turned her passion for gardening into a thriving business. From essential gardening tips to leveraging community, learn how she cultivates success and overcomes challenges.

Unveiling Holistic Healing: Nzingha Ma’at and the Success of Ma’at Therapeutic Services

Discover how Nzingha Ma’at of Ma’at Therapeutic Services uses a holistic mind, body, and spirit approach to address unresolved trauma, imposter syndrome, and more.

The State of Black Start-up Businesses in Philadelphia Report

The State of Black Start-up Businesses in Philadelphia Report Table of Contents Letter from the Executive Director Introduction: LA21, CDC History & Background About the Panel Selection Panel Attendees & Community Stakeholders Meet the Panelists Panel...

Scale Up Program Impact Report

In this report, we will review five measurable areas of impact across the eight cohorts of business owners who have successfully completed the program. These five pillars collectively constitute the baseline for measuring the impact of participants completing the Scale Up Your Business program. By assessing the progress and outcomes across these areas, we aim to pull valuable insights into the program’s outcomes on growth and development among participating entrepreneurs.Furthermore, this impact report will not only highlight the achievements and milestones attained but also delve into the lessons learned, challenges encountered, and areas for continued development.

Years of Experience

Registered Businesses

Entrepreneurs Helped

LA21 Members