University of Nevada, Reno Extension Supports Growth and Market Access for Small Business: CattleBros Steak and Seafood
Background
Ryan Avila, founder of CattleBros Steak and Seafood, is dedicated to delivering premium, transparently-sourced meats at fair prices. His commitment to quality and ethical sourcing meat sets CattleBros apart in a competitive marketplace often dominated by large national chains. Cattle Bros. Steak & Seafood has always sold food in bulk, but their goal was to expand into a competitive subscription business. This would require improvements in technology, building a customizable subscription platform, as well as investments in quality, sustainable shipping supplies and other considerations to ensure a smooth transition into a new level of demand. The Food Business Technical Assistance Program would help CattleBros stay competitive and reach a larger market.
Our Response
In 2025, Ryan Avila was selected as one of 44 promising food entrepreneurs to participate in the Food Business Technical Assistance Training Program and complete a 10-week virtual course hosted Thursday evenings by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension Small Business Development Center (SBDC) through the Southwest Regional Food Business Center (SWRFBC). The technical assistance class led by Shiva Kittusamy equipped participants with the knowledge and tools needed to bring a food product to market successfully. The Program covered key areas including business planning, marketing, regulatory compliance, and distribution strategies.
Our Impact
The technical assistance program provided the training, and completing the technical assistance program allowed Ryan’s business to be eligible for $10,000 in funding and capitalize on that training. The combination of education and funding ensures a dedicated investment by the owner and a commitment to the business concepts being funded.
“These funds help level the playing field for small, independent businesses like ours,” Ryan shared.
“They allow us to offer premium, transparently sourced meats at fair prices while competing with large national chains that benefit from scale.”
Now, Ryan’s business stands as a force multiplier as he creates sales pathways for additional local meat producers to reach consumers. The support of the SBDC and the SWRFBC enable him to launch a marketing plan with website subscriptions, upgrade packaging, and streamline logistics, critical steps in preparing to scale his business. Growing his business means opportunities for even more local businesses to grow.
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