To empower underserved community members — including low-income immigrants, New Americans, and refugees — through business development, economic skill-building, and entrepreneurship support, creating pathways to sustainable economic self-reliance and long-term success.
For over twenty years, IDC has helped immigrant and refugee families across the Fargo–Moorhead region launch businesses, build careers, and establish financially stable lives.
Every statistic below started with one family walking through our door. Here's what we've built together since 2003.
150+
Families served yearly
Every year — across lending, food security, driver's licensing, documentation, and business programs.
$600K+
Loans deployed
In micro-loans to New American entrepreneurs — over $600,000 put to work to date.
28
Active businesses
New American-owned ventures operating at the International Market Plaza in Fargo.
20+
Years of service
A trusted, continuous presence in the Fargo–Moorhead community since 2003.
Data through June 30, 2026
2003
Founded
Our story
Founded by someone who knew what it felt like to start over.
IDC was started in 2003 by Fowzia Adde, a Somali immigrant who arrived in Fargo with nothing but the conviction that newcomers deserved more than survival — they deserved the chance to build something of their own. Twenty years later, that conviction has become an organization serving hundreds of families a year.
We're deliberately small, deliberately local, and deliberately hands-on. Every family we work with is met where they are — in their language, on their timeline, with dignity.
“The first door is the hardest. Our job is to walk with people through it — and to make sure the next one is easier.”
Microloans designed to address barriers commonly faced by thin-file and underserved entrepreneurs, including borrowers without established U.S. credit histories — paired with personalized business advising.
Connects aspiring entrepreneurs to business startup and growth resources — training, planning, and continuing-education pathways built around real schedules and language levels.
Helps low-income New Americans overcome language barriers to earn their driver's licenses — unlocking reliable transportation, job access, and independence.
Help with forms, job and benefit applications, resumes, and interpretation for non-English speakers — the quieter work that keeps everything else possible.
Naturalization application navigation, civic education, document assistance, and referrals to qualified legal providers — plus nonpartisan voter registration and civic education — so New Americans can participate fully in the communities they're building.
IDC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice unless services are provided by an authorized legal-services professional.
Culturally grounded mental-health navigation, peer support circles, and care coordination with local providers — meeting the weight of resettlement with real support.
The Moorhead Cultural Mall is our biggest dream yet.
Redevelopment underway at 725 Center Avenue in downtown Moorhead. The project is being completed in phases as capital is secured, with existing portions of the property already in use while additional commercial, kitchen, and community spaces are renovated.
Redevelopment underway — completed in phases as capital is secured
Stories
The only numbers that matter are the names behind them.
Three stories from families we've walked alongside. There are hundreds more.
IDC helped me turn my small tailoring idea into a real business. They walked me through the business plan, helped me get a loan, and gave me a space to start. I never thought this was possible in America.
AH
Amina H.
Small Business Owner · Fargo
The training program connected me with skills I couldn't afford on my own. Within three months, I had the confidence to apply for jobs — and start planning a business — I never would have considered before.
MK
Mohamed K.
Entrepreneurial Training Graduate
When we first arrived, everything was overwhelming. IDC helped with documents, translating for appointments, even connecting us with food resources. They made us feel like we belonged here.
FD
Fatuma D.
Community Member · Moorhead
Get involved
Help us build a more inclusive community.
Give today. Volunteer next week. Partner on a project next year. Every level of involvement changes someone's story.
