Royal Caribbean Honors Seward Greenhouse Business

Royal Caribbean Group has named Exit Glacier Greenhouses, founded by Sydney Singer, as the winner of its first-ever Port Partners Small Business Accelerator Award.

The award recognizes businesses with the potential to strengthen local economies, create opportunities within their communities and support long-term regional growth in Seward, Alaska.

I look forward to growing my business to ensure that all 2,900 Seward residents can have access to much-needed fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet, made possible through the Port Partners grant,” said Singer.

“The critical business skills and connections with fellow business owners and mentors I have gained through the program have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the joyful opportunity this has brought to me, my cohort participants, and our community.”

Exit Glacier Greenhouses is focused on providing year-round locally grown produce to Seward while minimizing environmental impact.

According to Royal Caribbean, the $20,000 grant will enable Singer to begin developing six solar-powered greenhouse modules specifically designed for different crop types. The expanded facilities are expected to increase production significantly, growing from an anticipated 700 pounds of seasonal produce in 2026 to approximately 4,000 pounds within a year.

The award announcement follows the completion of the 2026 Port Partners Small Business Accelerator program in Seward. The initiative was supported by several local organizations, including the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, the University of Alaska, the Alaska Small Business Development Center, the Seward Chamber of Commerce and the City of Seward.

In addition to the grant funding, Exit Glacier Greenhouses will receive college credits, ongoing mentorship from experienced business leaders and greater visibility through the Port Partners network to help expand its reach and impact.

Royal Caribbean said the 2026 program brought together 15 participants from across South Central Alaska for workshops and coaching sessions covering business planning, financial management, marketing, community engagement and sustainable growth. Throughout the program, participants were paired with local entrepreneurs and industry experts who provided guidance and support.

Graduates earned three credits through the University of Alaska system and were given the opportunity to present their business plans to a panel of community leaders during a live pitch event.