Organizers of a proposed Moorhead Cultural Mall told the Clay County Board Tuesday that they have bought a downtown building and are raising the remaining funds to renovate it into a public incubator for immigrant and Indigenous entrepreneurs, cultural performances and education.

Fauzia Adi and Seham Ahmedi, organizers for the project, said a grant and loan package has covered the building purchase and that they have raised roughly $3 million so far toward an estimated $7 million renovation and program budget. The group has applied for federal funding through the Department of Health and Human Services and said a state bonding request (identified as SF 907 in the presentation) would supply about $4 million if approved.

Adi described the Mall as an incubator and community hub for food, crafts, performance and training. "We have done a lot of groundwork'we have done a study, met with leaders and the community received it well," Adi said, noting monthly "cultural pop‑up" events to test vendors and entrepreneurs.

Commissioners and other attendees asked about parking, vendor mix and program training. Adi said the organizers are partnering with local training providers and colleges and have letters of support from local government, the chamber and other community partners. She invited commissioners to the next pop‑up event on March 11.

The group asked the board to provide letters of support for federal and state funding applications; commissioners signaled willingness to supply support if the board receives formal request materials.

Ending: Project organizers will bring specific grant application materials to the county for formal letters of support and will continue outreach on vendor training and parking arrangements.