“Start Up,” an Emmy Award-nominated television docuseries, returns for its eighth season and will feature 12 Michigan based businesses.
Highlighting the struggles and victories of entrepreneurs across the United States, “Start Up” provides an up-close and personal look into today’s small businesses. In season eight, Gary Bredow, creator and host, uncovers how local small business owners have learned to adapt amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Start Up” is a nationally distributed television program featured on more than 350 PBS stations and shown in more than 96 percent of the country. Season eight is sponsored by Vistaprint, Amazon Storefronts, Fifth Third Bank, and Jaguar Land Rover.
“For several reasons, we decided to focus this season on local businesses, with 12 out of 13 episodes featuring Michigan based businesses, and we’re extremely proud to put Michigan small businesses on a national stage,” says Jenny Feterovich, producer of Start Up.
Among the companies featured this season is Will Power Fitness Gym in Clawson, which is owned by William McCray and has used virtual training to help people make health changes in their lives during the pandemic. Additionally, John Yakovich’s Saint Clair Shores-based fishing charter, Yakovich Outdoors, will also make an appearance with its guided fishing trips and gear.
“This season is different. The level of creativity, innovation, and resilience is incredibly inspiring,” says Bredow. “People are doing extraordinary things, and we’re honored to share their stories.”
Upon the premier of its 100th episode during this season, “Start Up” will be turning the cameras around to tell its own story about how the show first began.
“We had no clue how to make a TV show,” Bredow says. “But you find the people who do, ask questions, read everything you can, get your hands on, and just get out there and do it. Here we are eight seasons later.”
Season eight of “Start Up” will begin airing nationally on World Channel at 1:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 18, as well on WTVS PBS Detroit on the same date and time.
