LA21-CDC

Come join us for a casual meetup of small business owners and entrepreneurs on Lancaster Avenue!Small Business Meetup on Lancaster AvenueCome join us for a fun and informative Small Business meetup on Lancaster Avenue! Enjoy a light dinner, learn about Verizon Small Business Digital Ready (VSBDR), and grant opportunities. This in-person event will be held at SKS Events, located at 4231 Lancaster Ave. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share ideas, and network with like-minded individuals. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this meetup is the perfect opportunity to learn and grow your business. Don't miss out on

Join us for a laid-back evening of networking, drinks, and good vibes to celebrate and support our local small businesses!Small Business Happy Hour Come join us for a fun evening of networking and relaxation at Attic Brewing Co! This event is the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long day of work, meet fellow small business owners, and exchange ideas over a cold brew. Whether you're looking to make new connections or simply enjoy a casual drink, this happy hour is the place to be. Don't miss out on the chance to mingle, share stories, and support local businesses. See

Join us for a chill event where small business owners share their stories and showcase their products - it's gonna be lit!Welcome to the Small Business Panel and Showcase event! Join us at Crafty Soul for an exciting day filled with networking, learning, and inspiration. Our panel of successful small business owners will share their insights and experiences to help you grow your own business. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, discover new products and services at the showcase, and gain valuable knowledge to take your business to the next level. Get ready to be inspired and

Come hang out at LA21 for some chill open office hours where you can ask questions, get advice, or just chat with like-minded folks!Open Office Hours at LA21 Location: 3500 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, USA Come join us for Open Office Hours at LA21! Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or just curious about what we do, we welcome you to drop by our location at 3500 Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, provide insights, or simply chat about the latest trends in the industry. Don't

Learn about PHL Catalyst Fund eligibility, funding opportunities ($10K-$50K grants), and resources for entrepreneurs.Philadelphia is launching an innovative GRANT: the Catalyst Fund—a $5 million grant program designed to help businesses start, sustain, and scale.In this live interview, we sit down with Leslie Acosta of the Philadelphia Commerce Department to break down the eligibility, funding opportunities ($10K-$50K grants), and how the fund goes beyond capital by providing mentorship, business education, and ecosystem support. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to bridge capital gaps or a business ready to expand, this episode will give you the insights you need to take advantage of

Learn about PHL Catalyst Fund eligibility, funding opportunities ($10K-$50K grants), and resources for entrepreneurs.Are you a small business owner in Philadelphia looking for funding to start, sustain, or scale your business? Join us for an exclusive Catalyst Fund Information Session, where you'll get a deep dive into this $5 million grant program designed to help businesses grow, create jobs, and build wealth. In this session, you'll learn:How to qualify for the catalyst fundThe industries and businesses eligible to applyHow to prepare a strong application, including growth plans and financialsAdditional support available, including mentorship, business coaching, and capital accessThis is your

Learn about how to access grants and crowdfunding, register for Verizon Small Business $10k Grant, and other resources!Securing Grants & Crowdfunding 101Learn about how to access grants and crowdfunding, register for Verizon Small Business $10k Grant, and other resources!April 29th, 7pm EST • OnlinePresented by LA21-CDC & Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program

LA21 CDC Open Office Hours for June 2025You're Invited!LA21 CDC Open Office Hours for May 2025 + Special Workshop EventHosted by: Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association (LA21 CDC)Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PMLocation: 3500 Lancaster Avenue, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PAWorkshop Highlight:"Leveraging Lending to Grow Your Business"Presented by: Bertha Sarmina, Greenline Access CapitalGet the inside track on how to fund your business growth!Learn about:Character-Based Lending — What it is and why it mattersBuilding a Strong Loan Package — What lenders want to seeTiming Your Loan Application — When (and when not) to applyWhether you're just getting

Get ready to grow your business with a plan that works!Ready to Grow Your Business with a Plan that Works?Join us for virtual information sessions on Silver Lining Action Plan (SLAP™)Hosted by LA21 CDC + Silver LiningØ Wednesday, June 25 at 12:00 PM ESTo Topic: How To Set the Right Financial Goals for Your Small BusinessØ Wednesday, July 9 at 12:00 PM ESTo Topic: How To Find New Customers Without a Lot of Time or MoneyØ Wednesday, July 23 at 9:00 AM ESTo Topic: How To Create a 1-Year Action Plan for Small Business SuccessØ Thursday, August 7 at 12:00

Learn about Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, learn about grants, enjoy free drinks, network with a special guest speaker.LA21-CDC, Verizon, and Attic Brewery Present:Small Business Happy Hour!Learn about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready ProgramLearn about business grant opportunitiesEnjoy free drinks while networkingSpecial Guest Speaker to be announcedTuesday, July 15th 2025Attic Brewing - 137 Berkley Street

Join us to learn how to access free legal advice from Philadelphia VIP.Join us to learn how to access free legal advice from Philadelphia VIP. Philadelphia VIP was founded in 1981 as the pro bono arm of the Philadelphia Bar Association to address the urgent, unmet need for civil legal services. They recruit, train, and support the volunteer attorneys who represent VIP’s clients — low-income individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits — without charge.· Learn how to access the services· Hear about upcoming free legal workshops· Get solid legal advice for business issues

Get ready to connect, collaborate, and create change with other community leaders at The Community Leaders Collaborative (CLC) event!The Community Leaders Collaborative (CLC) is reorganizing. We need you at the table. Let’s bring our voices back and plan for 2026. There is a lot happening in our community and we want to be proactive with a progressive agenda!LA 21 is hosting the meeting. We will need you to RSVP so we can plan for refreshments. We are looking forward to getting together again! And accomplishing purpose.

Come network with fellow entrepreneurs, learn about available business resources, and about a 10k grant opportunity!Come network with fellow entrepreneurs, learn about available business resources, and about a 10k grant opportunity! Register for Digital Ready with Verizon & complete 2 courses for a $25 gift card!

A Virtual Workshop for Small Business OwnersLearn about how to access grants and implement crowdfunding!Zoom link: https://widener.zoom.us/j/6945369784?pwd=cFp4QjlyVTZWYnRxekF2RW5Dd3E4UT09

Please join us for the year-end Open Office Hours event which will be a winter holidays celebration!Join LA21 for December's Open Office Hours event and fellow local business leaders for an evening of connection, celebration, and community spirit!B2B Networking – Build new relationships and strengthen existing onesDelicious Food – Enjoy seasonal bites and refreshmentsRaffle Prizes – Fun giveaways throughout the eveningLet us close out the year together with energy, collaboration, and gratitude for all we have accomplished along the Lancaster Avenue corridor and surrounding area.

Join us for the first in a four-part series. This will be an interactive virtual workshop to review changes in Philly business taxesJoin us for the first in a four-part series. This will be an interactive virtual workshop to review changes in the Philadelphia taxes for small businesses for the 2025 tax year.Workshop Topic: "Get Ahead of BIRT Changes: What Philly Businesses Must Know for 2026"Information about the change for the BIRT and other updates for small businesses that will impact filing your taxes for 2026.Understanding changesResources to helpPlanning now for AprilGet tips for working effectively with your accountant or

Take the stress out of tax season with support from the Department of Commerce's " Free Business Tax Preparation Program".Join LA21's 3rd Open Office Hours tax workshop for small businesses. Take the stress out of tax season with support from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. This workshop introduces the Philadelphia Free Business Tax Preparation Program, offering eligible small business owners no-cost assistance with tax preparation and filing. Learn how to qualify, what documents to prepare, and how to access trusted help so you can stay compliant and focus on growing your business.

Join us on May 16, 2026, for a delicious celebration of our amazing local food entrepreneurs and small businesses in West Philadelphia.Mark your calendars! The Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association (LA21 CDC) is thrilled to announce The Ave Flea Market and A Taste of Philly Food Truck Fest Join us on May 16, 2026, for a delicious celebration of our amazing local food entrepreneurs and small businesses in West Philadelphia. Stay tuned for the vendor lineup. Don’t miss out on the flavors of Philly! Food Truck Fest The Lawn @ UCity 3701 Filbert StFlea Market 3500-3700 Lancaster AveMain Stage

Why Your Website and Social Media Aren't Bringing in Customers (And how to fix it)!!You’ve tried posting more, updating your website, maybe even sending emails but the results don’t always match the effort. In this session, we’ll break down what’s really happening behind the scenes so your online presence actually works together. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what’s holding your business back and what to focus on first to start attracting and converting more customers.

Monthly Small Business Exchange in person event with LA21Monthly Small Business Exchange Hosted by LA21The Monthly Small Business Exchange is a welcoming, in‑person forum designed for entrepreneurs who want a consistent space to sharpen their ideas, practice their pitch to strengthen it, and connect with other business owners who “get it.” This 1.5‑hour session brings together small business owners, solopreneurs, and creatives for real conversation, real feedback, and real growth.Each month, participants can:Practice their elevator pitch and strengthen how they talk about their businessDiscuss social media content, messaging, and marketing ideasShare challenges and wins in a supportive, no‑judgment zoneGet peer

Join LA21 and a group of like-minded entrepreneursMonthly Small Business Exchange in person event with LA21Monthly Small Business ExchangeHosted by LA21The Monthly Small Business Exchange is a welcoming, in‑person forum designed for entrepreneurs who want a consistent space to sharpen their ideas, practice their pitch to strengthen it, and connect with other business owners who “get it.” This 1.5‑hour session brings together small business owners, solopreneurs, and creatives for real conversation, real feedback, and real growth.Each month, participants can:Practice their elevator pitch and strengthen how they talk about their businessDiscuss social media content, messaging, and marketing ideasShare challenges and wins