#USA #Royal Caribbean #Port Partners #Seward Alaska #Seward

Royal Caribbean Group Launches Inaugural Business Accelerator in Seward, Alaska

Royal Caribbean Group, a leader in the vacation industry, has announced the launch of its inaugural business accelerator program called "Port Partners" in Seward, Alaska. This initiative represents a significant step in the company's commitment to foster local economic development and empower aspiring entrepreneurs in communities close to their cruise destinations.

The Port Partners program is designed to provide a robust educational foundation, mentorship, and financial support to local entrepreneurs looking to transform their innovative ideas into viable businesses. The program will span ten weeks and includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers key aspects of business development. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in personalized mentorship sessions with successful local entrepreneurs who will share invaluable insights from their own experiences.

The culmination of the program will feature an interactive pitch competition, where participants will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of winning a significant $20,000 grant. This grant will be instrumental in helping the winning entrepreneur bring their business vision to life.

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs

According to Preston Carnahan, Vice President of Destination Development at Royal Caribbean Group, the Port Partners initiative embodies the company's ethos of community engagement and support. "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," he stated.

The educational sessions will be delivered by qualified instructors from the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) and will focus on essential topics required for launching a small business, including market analysis, financial planning, and marketing strategies. Additionally, the program is collaborating with esteemed partners like the University of Alaska and the Seward Chamber of Commerce to ensure a well-rounded experience for participants.

A Collaborative Effort for Community Development

The announcement of the Port Partners program was made during the Small Business Appreciation Event organized by the Seward Chamber of Commerce, coinciding with Alaska Entrepreneurship Week. The collaboration emphasizes the need for a collective approach to nurture local talent and promote entrepreneurship. Local leaders and institutions are keenly aware of the transformative potential that supportive education and mentorship can have on budding businesses.

Applications for the program opened on October 1, 2025, and are accepted until December 15, 2025. Candidates will be notified of their acceptance in January 2026, with the program set to commence in February 2026. This timeline encourages immediate action from prospective entrepreneurs eager to take part in this unique opportunity.

Building a Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

One of the vital aspects of the Port Partners initiative is the creation of academic credits for participants from the University of Alaska system upon completion of the course, further enhancing its value. Additionally, this program not only provides immediate support to small business owners but also aims to create lasting economic impact within the community by nurturing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Cory Ortiz, Director of AVTEC, stresses the importance of partnerships in this endeavor: "Strong partnerships are vital to building opportunity 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."

Conclusion

The Port Partners program represents Royal Caribbean Group's commitment to positively impacting the communities it serves. By integrating education and entrepreneurship, this initiative offers a promising pathway for Seward residents to develop their business ideas and create sustainable economic opportunities. As the program evolves, it will undoubtedly serve as a model for similar initiatives in other cruise destinations worldwide. Follow Royal Caribbean Group's journey on their social media channels to stay updated on their initiatives and impact efforts in the communities they visit.

For more information about the Port Partners program, interested individuals can visit PortPartners.com for detailed guidelines and application instructions.