RCG-Royal Caribbean Group Unveils Port Partners Program in Seward, Alaska

The Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) has launched its inaugural business accelerator program, named "Port Partners," in Seward, Alaska. This initiative focuses on fostering local entrepreneurship and aims to stimulate economic development, community engagement, and environmental investments in the port towns served by its cruise fleet.

The program features a ten-week curriculum that includes personalized mentorship and a pitch competition with a grant of $20,000 up for grabs. Local residents with business ideas—whether they are still in the conceptual stage or already in operation—are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is December 15, 2025, with selections to be made in January 2026, and the program set to commence in February.

Classes will be taught by an educator from AVTEC, covering essential business topics. Participants will receive individualized mentorship from experienced local entrepreneurs. Collaborations with the University of Alaska system and AVTEC aim to have this course recognized for 3 college credits. The program will conclude with a pitch panel involving Seward civic leaders, where one chosen participant will receive the grant to support their business initiatives.

Royal Caribbean’s vice president of destination development has emphasized that this program goes beyond a typical accelerator, serving as a platform to turn local entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. The director of AVTEC has stressed the importance of combining education, mentorship, and community support to enhance opportunities in Seward and throughout Alaska.

This program represents Royal Caribbean’s first effort to integrate a capacity-building initiative directly within a port community, demonstrating a strategic connection between cruise operations and local economic growth.

For more details, visit Royal Caribbean and learn about Seward here.

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