NEW SERIES, "BLUE COLLAR BACKERS" PREMIERES ON DISCOVERY MAY 18 AT 10PM ET/PT

For many people, owning and operating their own business is the ultimate American dream. On average, more than 540,000 new businesses a month will launch in the United States, but what separates a good idea from one that just reads well on paper? Enter the experts who are offering not only a cash investment, but sweat equity to burgeoning businesses on BLUE COLLAR BACKERS, a new Discovery Channel series premiering Wednesday, May 18 at 10pm ET/PT.

With traditional banks and lenders rejecting over 80% of small business loans, there's been a resurgence of a new breed of investors. They provide cash and, more importantly, a hands-on approach to help men and women's dreams become reality. Each week, a panel of top-notch professionals from various fields and trades will share their personal experience, get their hands dirty, and provide the necessary funds to help a few budding entrepreneurs make their big dreams a reality. But how does a business stick out in this ever-competitive market place? And what's the best decision for the business to move forward?

Our experts will share tried-and-true methods, and the resources, to take these businesses to the next level. They will also reveal tips on how to be successful in their industries from lessons learned in the field. These one-of-a-kind endeavors will be built from the ground up - with our team of experts helping to navigate every step of the way to find that path to fortune.

Meet the Backers:

Cameron Davies - A no-nonsense fabricator out of San Antonio, Texas who has forged a successful career making food trucks for customers around the country. He wants to put his knowledge to the test, by helping others achieve their dreams... and make some dough along the way.

Ron Douglas - Self-made millionaire of the mountains, who has an elusive set of criteria when it comes to making a move on a business. Ron is loath to lose money, but also doesn't want to see good people lose their shirts.

Brian Stark and Wes James - Based out of Scottsdale, Arizona, these partners found much success on their own in the area. Now, for the first time, they want to make the most out of business opportunities they see nearby.

Cain and Cam Roberds - These twin brothers enjoy rolling up their sleeves and getting involved with their projects. These Biloxi boys bring the charm and ingenuity of the old south to the table in a fun and unique way.

BLUE COLLAR BACKERS is produced for Discovery Channel by Leftfield Pictures where David George, Shawn Witt and C. Russell Muth are Executive Producers. Matt Vafiadis is Executive Producer and Meagan Davis is Producer for Discovery Channel.

About Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.8 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 224 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 pay-TV programmer reaching nearly 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. For 30 years Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying curiosity and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its global television brands, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science and Turbo/Velocity, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery controls Eurosport, the leading pan-regional sports entertainment destination across Europe and Asia-Pacific. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About Leftfield Pictures

Leftfield Pictures produces an array of projects for broadcast, cable and digital platforms, including Pawn Stars, Alone, American Restoration and Counting Cars (History); American Grit (FOX); and Cutting It: In the ATL (WE tv). Recent specials include Billy the Kid: The New Evidence with Kevin Costner, and Brain Surgery Live with Mental Floss for National Geographic Channel. Leftfield has additional projects in development and production with Netflix, History, Discovery, NatGeo, E!, DIY, CNBC, LMN, Redbull TV and more. Leftfield Pictures is part of Leftfield Entertainment, an ITV Studios company. Other Leftfield Entertainment companies include Sirens Media (Real Housewives of New Jersey), Loud TV (Tiny House Nation), Outpost Entertainment (Forged in Fire) and Riot Creative.