Local entrepreneurs selected for program designed to strengthen Seward’s small-business
ecosystem

SEWARD, AK– Jan. 29, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group Press Release

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), a global vacation
leader that is redefining the future of vacations, has chosen 15 final candidates for its
inaugural ‘Port Partners’ business accelerator program in Seward, Alaska. The new cohort
will complete a comprehensive 10-week college-level course at the Alaska Vocational
Technical Center (AVTEC) and engage with local entrepreneurial leaders and mentors to
grow their knowledge and skill set, and work toward a successful business launch.

Taught by Greg Haas, a current maritime instructor at Alaska Vocational Technical Center,
and owner of Stoney Creek Brewery, the educational curriculum will strengthen the
candidates understanding of small business creation and development, with a focus on
supply chain, management, legal processes, marketing campaigns, and more, to set
individuals up for their new role: business owner. Seward’s accomplished local
entrepreneurs will also impart advice, guidance, and career lessons during one-on-one
mentorship sessions, providing students with tangible examples to learn from. Upon
successful course completion, each participant will be eligible to receive three college
credits from the University of Alaska system.

Following graduation, each entrepreneur will pitch their idea to a panel of Seward business
owners and leaders, seeking the opportunity to be the standout winner to earn $20,000 to
kickstart their business.

“Through Port Partners, it’s been a privilege to see first-hand Seward residents’ creativity
and bold business ideas dedicated to seeing their community thrive,” said Preston
Carnahan, vice president, Destination Development, West Coast and Asia-Pacific, Royal
Caribbean Group. “We are thrilled to collaborate with AVTEC, University of Alaska system,
Seward Small Business Development Center, and Seward Chamber of Commerce, to bring
these resources to a town whose heartbeat lies at the center of entrepreneurship and
ingenuity.”

“Port Partners is built on trust, time, and real opportunity — values that matter deeply in
Seward,” said Greg Haas, instructor, Alaska Vocational Technical Center. “I’m excited to
bring entrepreneurs together, challenge how we think about business ownership, and help
strengthen our community through shared learning and long-term success.
The cohort consists of 15 individuals with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and goals,
but alike in their commitment to Seward. This bespoke initiative is dedicated to serving
destinations the company visits around the world, collaboratively partnering with on-the-ground stakeholders to invest in economic development, community impact, and
environmental protection. Embodying the ‘Energizing Communities’ pillar of its SEA the
Future program, this first Port Partners effort offers an exciting, challenging, and rewarding
experience that will uplift future entrepreneurs in Seward.

Meet the cohorts:

• Brendan Ryan
• Calley Davenport
• Clay Lambert
• Elizabeth Dunn
• Emerson Cross
• Genevieve DeRoos
• Heather Bardarson
• James Natale
• Josiah Bonner
• Katherine Georgia
• Morgan Shepard
• Otto Nipp
• Sydney Singer
• Taylor Wilson
• Victoria Provenza

Port Partners is brought to the community of Seward in collaboration with AVTEC, the University of Alaska System, the Seward Small Business Development Center, and the City of Seward. Together, these organizations are creating pathways that connect education, mentorship, and real-world support to strengthen Seward’s entrepreneurial pipeline.

Embodying the ‘Energizing Communities’ pillar of its SEA the Future program, this first Port
Partners effort offers an exciting, challenging, and rewarding experience that will uplift
future entrepreneurs in Seward.

For information on the program, visit PortPartners.com.
To learn more about how Royal Caribbean Group is supporting communities around the
world through its SEA The Future program, visit RoyalCaribbeanGroup.com.