Royal Caribbean Group has announced Exit Glacier Greenhouses, pioneered by Sydney Singer, as the recipient of its inaugural Port Partners Small Business Accelerator Award.

The award recognizes the company’s potential to drive economic growth, create local opportunity and contribute to the long-term vitality of the Seward community.

“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 Sydney Singer, founder of Exit Glacier Greenhouses.

“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 aims to provide Seward, Alaska, with year-round produce, grown with the lowest environmental impact.

Royal Caribbean said in a press release that with the $20,000 grant, Singer plans to begin development of six pre-designed, crop-specific greenhouse modules with solar power.

Upgraded infrastructure will expand production from the 2026 anticipated 700 pounds of seasonal output to 4,000 pounds of food within a year.

The announcement follows the conclusion of the 2026 Port Partners Small Business Accelerator program in Seward.

Partners including Alaska Vocational Technical Center , University of Alaska, Alaska Small Business Development Center, Seward Chamber of Commerce and City of Seward supported the program.

Exit Glacier Greenhouses is receiving $20,000 in funding, college credits, ongoing mentorship from business leaders and increased exposure through the Port Partners network to help accelerate progress and expand its impact in the region.

According to the press release, this year’s program brought together 15 participants from across South Central Alaska for a series of workshops and coaching sessions focused on business planning, financial management, marketing, community engagement and sustainable growth strategies.

Participants were paired with experienced local entrepreneurs and industry professionals who guided the program.

Graduating participants received three credits from the University of Alaska system and had the opportunity to pitch their business plan to a group of community leader judges at a live community event.