For more than a decade, the Emmy-nominated PBS docuseries “START UP” has profiled start-up companies striving to find success in 46 U.S. states. Now its 12th season is about to premiere—and all 13 episodes will focus entirely on startups in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Premiering on September 28, the show’s new season will air locally on Saturdays at 6 p.m. on KERA TV. This is only the second time the show has focused an entire season on one location.

Gary Bredow, the show’s host, criss-crossed North Texas to find “behind-the-scenes stories of grit, passion, and innovation from some of the region’s most inspiring entrepreneurs.”

Gary Bredow in DFW [Start Up USA Video screenshot]

An entrepreneur himself, Bredow owns several businesses in the Detroit area, and the show is produced by Detroit PBS. After interviewing hundreds of demographically diverse small business owners all across America, he arrived in DFW with deep knowledge of the climate of American small business. And with his show already snagging 5 Emmy nominations, he has high hopes for more—”because Season 12 is a banger!” Bredow wrote on LinkedIn.

So what will he find here in North Texas?

Profiling startups focused on bouldering, menswear, micro weddings, EV charging, and more 

The “START UP” North Texas lineup is as varied as it is eclectic. There’s a bouldering gym in Fort Worth; a “micro wedding” service in Dallas; a “compassionate care” funeral home in Mansfield; an herbal “superfoods” startup in McKinney; and other aspirational businesses that deliver everything from EV charging to catering to haircuts.

What they all have in common is something as classic as the American Dream itself: the courage to break out on one’s own and turn a vision into a going concern—one that could truly go places.

Five-time Emmy-nominated host and writer Gary Bredow, known for Start Up USA, is cooking up success in Dallas-Fort Worth as he preps for Season 12. [Start Up USA Video screenshot]

Here’s a look at the DFW businesses and their owners who’ll be featured in Season 12 of “START UP,” with descriptions provided by the show:

Season 12 Lineup: Dallas-Fort Worth Entrepreneurs in Focus

S12 | Episode 1
Ampersand, Fort Worth
Toan Luong, owner

Ampersand blends coffee culture with nightlife, offering a unique dual concept that has quickly gained traction in Fort Worth. Under Luong’s direction, Ampersand secured a coveted spot at DFW Airport, positioning the brand as a dynamic force in local hospitality.

Blake Shook [Start Up USA Video screenshot]

S12 | Episode 2
Desert Creek Honey, Blue Ridge
Blake Shook, owner

Desert Creek Honey began with Shook’s childhood fascination with beekeeping, evolving into a thriving business that provides raw, unfiltered honey while supporting a new generation of beekeepers.

S12 | Episode 3
Just Elope, Dallas
Jennifer Allen, owner

Just Elope was inspired by Allen’s personal experience of a minimalist wedding, leading her to create a business that offers beautifully crafted micro weddings for couples seeking intimate, memorable ceremonies.

S12 | Episode 4
Magdalena’s Catering and Events, Fort Worth
Juan and Paige Rodriguez, owners

Magdalena’s Catering and Events was built from the Rodriguezes’ combined culinary expertise, transforming their passion into one of Fort Worth’s premier catering and dining experiences.

S12 | Episode 5
Blade Craft Barber Academy, Dallas
Lilly Benitez, owner

Blade Craft Barber Academy redefines barbering through innovative training in Dallas’s Deep Ellum district. Benitez’s academy challenges traditional norms, shaping a new generation of barbers.

S12 | Episode 6
J.C. Scott, Dallas
Jacob Clayton, owner

J.C. Scott represents Clayton’s journey from hardship to success as a custom menswear designer. His brand combines craftsmanship with personal styling, serving a growing clientele.

S12 | Episode 7
Veterans Moving America, Fort Worth
Zach Freeman, owner

Veterans Moving America employs exclusively U.S. military veterans, addressing employment challenges faced by veterans while setting a mission-driven standard in the moving industry.

S12 | Episode 8
Mansfield Funeral Home and Cremations, Mansfield
Christie Moore, owner

Mansfield Funeral Home and Cremations sets new industry standards under Moore’s leadership, focusing on compassionate care and professional excellence in funeral services.

S12 | Episode 9
Simpleaf, Dallas
Femi Oyenekan, owner

Simpleaf was founded by Oyenekan, a Nigerian immigrant, to create eco-friendly hygiene products that address social inequities while championing sustainability.

S12 | Episode 10
Revitalize Charging Solutions, Fort Worth
Edward Morgan, owner

Revitalize Charging Solutions provides innovative EV charging technology for homes and businesses. Morgan’s company is at the forefront of expanding Texas’s electric vehicle infrastructure.

S12 | Episode 11
The Blok Climbing Co., Fort Worth
Skyler and Vanessa Brooks, owners

The Blok Climbing Co. is the brainchild of the Brooks family, turning their passion for climbing into a leading bouldering destination that has quickly attracted a loyal community.

Stacie Stewart with Gary Bredow [Start Up USA Video screenshot]

S12 | Episode 12
BWI Contractors, Dallas
Stacie Stewart, owner

BWI Contractors focuses on bringing affordable housing to the Dallas market. Stewart’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to community impact.

Filming Unoma Okorafor in McKinney [Start Up USA Video screenshot]

S12 | Episode 13
Herbal Goodness, McKinney
Unoma Okorafor, owner

Herbal Goodness combines social impact with high-quality superfoods. Okorafor founded the company after leaving a corporate career, driven by her desire to empower women and girls through business.

For more on Season 12 of “START UP,” including a look at the people behind the 13 startups, check out the show’s webpage here.

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