About LA21, CDC
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
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.
Vision
Our vision is to create an environment on Lancaster Avenue and within the Philadelphia Entrepreneurship Eco-System where local businesses can not only survive, but also thrive.
Members Statement
As an advocate for local business development, LA21-CDC is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the continued growth of each of our member businesses. LA21-CDC strives to improve the community, present professional enrichment programs, and provide our members with cost-efficient ways to run their businesses.
Current Highlights
LA21 has a 13 year track record of working with the community providing services and community engagement despite having few resources. We have been able to accomplish a lot over the years. A few highlights include:
- MED Week event in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Commerce
- Annual Fall Lancaster Avenue Clean-up in partnership with Drexel School of Public Health
- Hosting Annual Lancaster Avenue Day celebration
- 2nd Fridays in partnership with The Community Education Center
- Business Networking and Information Coffee Sessions/Community Meetings – hosted the first Wednesday of every month; purpose is to provide resources to members who have businesses along the corridor as well as communicate to the community in general (Temporarily suspended due to COVID-19).
- Continuing Sustainable Programs
Past Achievements:
- A partnership with Philadelphia Department of Commerce to host Immigrant Business Week in 2019
- Business Basics workshop – in partnership with SCORE
- Annual West Philly Trolley Tour in partnership with The Baltimore Avenue Business Association
- YES – Youth Entrepreneurship Program in partnership with E3 Center on Lancaster Avenue
- Business Smart Incubator program in partnership with Drexel University
- Free Quarterly SWOT for businesses in partnership with UPENN’s Wharton School of Business
Trainings & Courses
Our proven track record of having positive and strong relationships in the community as well as in providing a variety of empowering opportunities for business owners to thrive in the community has aligned us to expand our community business center and provide more technical assistance and skills training to our small businesses.
LA21 offers a variety of trainings and courses through the LA-ERIC Center and business education programs aimed at all levels of small business owners—read more about available programs here.
Our trainings include:
- Growing your business with social media
- Microsoft 101 – Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Website design and updates
- Google for business
- Designing your own growth templates using technology to grow your business
- Business skills training course options:
- Business operations
- Marketing your business
- Financial management: budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, sales, and P&L and Balance Sheet statements
- Writing a business plan
- Presentation and communication skills
- Networking
- Logical thinking in making business decisions
- Digital literacy through technical assistance and training
- How to use webinars to promote your services
LA21 Funders & Partners
Letter from the President
As a business owner on Lancaster Avenue, did you know there is an organization that will service your business needs, provide networking opportunities and build your customer base? The Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association (“LA 21”) is dedicated to promoting economic growth, advancing business-friendly public policies, and servicing our members through outstanding programs, benefits and services.
As an advocate for local development, LA 21 is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the continued growth of each of our member businesses. LA 21 strives to influence business-friendly legislation in all levels of government, participate in initiatives to improve the community, present professional enrichment programs, and provide our members with cost-efficient ways to run their businesses. Are you already a member? If not, then you should join Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association during our annual open enrollment this month.
We meet monthly to plan events, to discuss issues that promote and improve the quality of business life on Lancaster Avenue. You may have already participated in our Second Friday events that promote monthly business activity on Lancaster Avenue. Or perhaps you attended the annual Jazz Festival in Saunders Park Green.
Our annual membership drive began September 2012 and we invite you to become part of the one of fastest growing organizations in the city. Through our member-focused web site, you can discover what you need and where you need to go, who to call, and ultimately why becoming a member of the Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association is one of the best strategies for growing your business. Whether your business is a new or old, small or large, joining LA 21 makes sense for your business.
If you have questions or require additional information at any time, please contact us.
George Stevens,
President
Lancaster Ave. 21st Century Business Association.