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: “Annual Lancaster Ave Flea Market Becomes Quarterly!”
Sunday, April 27th, 2025 – In partnership with Philadelphia Flea Markets, LA21-CDC hosted another successful giant flea market with over 75 vendors. The flea market stretched from 3400 to 3600 Lancaster Avenue.
Impact Report: “Second Fridays: Mantua Worldwide at Savas”
April 11, 2025 – Savas Restaurant on Lancaster Ave hosted a vibrant community event organized by Mantua Worldwide, led by Executive Director Gweny Love, as part of LA21’s Second Fridays event series.
Impact Report: Volunteer Cleanup & Neighborhood Beautification at the 4th District Container Village in West Philly
On Saturday, April 19th, 15 youth volunteers from Net Youth Services visited the 4th district container village at 4862 Parkside Avenue for a neighborhood clean-up alongside LA21-CDC cleaning ambassadors. They helped clean the surrounding area, designed the large...