Opening a brick-and-mortar business in New York City takes more than just a good idea. It takes funding, strategy, establishing connections and a clear sense of purpose. That’s what Adrian Cepeda brought when he founded The World’s Borough Bookshop in Jackson Heights two years ago. His mission? To highlight BIPOC, immigrant, and first-gen authors, who represent the diverse voices of his neighborhood.

With the help of a $20,000 grant from the “Queens Tech and Innovation Challenge” and momentum from his TikTok account, BookPapi, the shop has become more than a place to buy books. It’s a community hub, hosting story-times, open mics, and workshops.

Today, Adrian shares what it really takes to launch a business, how public funding and digital platforms like tiktok helped him get it off the ground, and why representation and community are at the center.

Check out our event: Making It Here: How to enter and navigate the ever-changing workplace

Learn more about The World's Borough Bookshop

Find Bookpapi on TikTok

Opening a brick-and-mortar business in New York City takes more than just a good idea. It takes funding, strategy, establishing connections and a clear sense of purpose. That&rsquo;s what Adrian Cepeda brought when he founded The World&rsquo;s Borough Bookshop in Jackson Heights two years ago. His mission? To highlight BIPOC, immigrant, and first-gen authors, who represent the diverse voices of his neighborhood.
With the help of a $20,000 grant from the &ldquo;Queens Tech and Innovation Challenge&rdquo; and momentum from his TikTok account, BookPapi, the shop has become more than a place to buy books. It&rsquo;s a community hub, hosting story-times, open mics, and workshops.
Today, Adrian shares what it really takes to launch a business, how public funding and digital platforms like tiktok helped him get it off the ground, and why representation and community are at the center.
Check out our event: <a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/event/making-it-here-how-to-enter-and-navigate-the-ever-changing-workplace/">Making It Here: How to enter and navigate the ever-changing workplace</a>
Learn more about <a href="https://www.theworldsboroughbookshop.com/">The World's Borough Bookshop</a>
Find Bookpapi on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bookpapi?lang=en">TikTok</a>

Powered by Epicenter NYC, Making It Here shares the real stories behind entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and business leaders forging their own path. In each episode we’ll explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned that will inspire you and even help shape your own journey. You’ll hear from a diverse range of voices—those shaping the future through resilience, creativity, and grit––who are Making It Here. For more stories like this visit us at https://epicenter-nyc.com/.

Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/ 

Powered by Epicenter NYC, Making It Here shares the real stories behind entrepreneurs, artists, creators, and business leaders forging their own path. In each episode we&rsquo;ll explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned that will inspire you and even help shape your own journey. You&rsquo;ll hear from a diverse range of voices&mdash;those shaping the future through resilience, creativity, and grit&ndash;&ndash;who are Making It Here. For more stories like this visit us at <a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/">https://epicenter-nyc.com/</a>.
Production: <a href="https://www.pirateaudio.co/">https://www.pirateaudio.co/</a>&nbsp;