The Trade Center of the Americas was preceded by a similar international business venture, the South American Trade Forum (SATF). From 2008 to 2019, the SATF was an annual event in the Twin Cities promoting trade and cross-cultural understanding, attended by representatives of governments, diplomats, business leaders, startups, and entrepreneurs from both South America and the Midwest region of the United States.

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The South American Trade Forum (SATF) was established in partnership with organizations such as the Minnesota Trade Office, the Federal Commercial Service, and the State Department. Similarly, the SATF collaborated with major multinational companies such as Carlson, Cargill, 3M, Medtronic, Ecolab, Land O' Lakes, Target, Best Buy, etc., in conjunction with various small and medium-sized companies in the region. Being the only professional forum bridging the gap between the public and private sectors, the SATF strove to promote a similar sense of interconnectedness between the South American continent, Minnesota, and other Midwestern states.

As the South American Trade Forum grew in prominence, it became clear the organization had the potential to develop into much more than just an annual, albeit wildly successful, international trade event. Rather, the SATF began developing strategies based on its years of experience promoting trade between the Americas to promote sustainable business development focused on social capital and culturally aware market entry strategies. The paramount counsel provided by intrepid business leaders during the years the SATF was active helped us to develop the foundations for a more refined, social, and cross-cultural business forum: The Trade Center of the Americas.