Royal Caribbean Group Hopes to Empower Small Businesses from Dream to Reality in Seward
Contributed by Alexis Baird, Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group has launched an inaugural business accelerator initiative – Port Partners– in the coastal community of Seward, Alaska. Aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, the project will provide Seward residents a 10-week academic course, personalized mentorship, and an interactive pitch competition culminating in a $20,000 cash prize awarded to one standout participant.
“Port Partners reflects our deep dedication and gratitude to the people of Seward and other coastal communities, where small business innovation lies at the heart of economic development,” said Preston Carnahan, vice president, Destination Development, West Coast, Royal Caribbean Group. “Port Partners is more than just a business accelerator - it’s an opportunity to make people’s dreams a reality.”
This new business accelerator reflects the ongoing collaboration between the community of Seward and Royal Caribbean Group to bring new economic development opportunities to residents and fuel their entrepreneurial drive. Partners include the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), City of Seward, University of Alaska system, Seward Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Small Business Development Center, and additional local business operators.
Carnahan says, "This program is only possible with the time and effort generously given by our partners.”
Residents of Seward who are interested in growing their innovative concept – whether in the ideation phase or in early operational stages – are welcome to apply until applications close on December 15, 2025.
After final submissions, 10-15 applicants will be selected to participate in a free, 10-week academic course to hone their business skills. In addition to the educational element of the program, cohort participants will be paired with successful local entrepreneurs in intimate mentorship sessions to gather lessons learned, career highlights, and advice.
“As Alaska’s statewide postsecondary vocational training center, AVTEC is proud to partner with Royal Caribbean Group and other community leaders on the Port Partners initiative,” said Cory Ortiz, Ph.D., Director of AVTEC. “Strong partnerships like this are vital to creating new prosperity pathways in Seward and across Alaska. By combining education, mentorship, and real-world support, we’re helping local entrepreneurs transform their ideas into businesses that will strengthen our community and create lasting economic impact.”
“The University of Alaska is proud to support the Port Partners program in collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group, AVTEC, and other partners in Seward,” said Teri Cothren, associate vice president of Workforce Development, University of Alaska. “By creating prospects that connect education with entrepreneurship, we are ensuring Alaskans have the skills, resources, and opportunities to establish and grow businesses that contribute to their local and state economy.”
Upon successful course completion, the begins concludes with a formal Pitch Event where each candidate will have an opportunity to leverage lessons learned from AVTEC’s course and showcase their business idea to judging representatives from Royal Caribbean Group, Alaska Small Business Development Center, Seward Chamber of Commerce, AVTEC, University of Alaska System, the City of Seward, and more. One future business owner will walk away with the $20,000 award, full support from their community, and a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream.
Discover more about Port Partners at portpartners.com. All Seward, Alaska residents are welcome to apply.