Exit Glacier Greenhouses Wins $20,000 Seward Grant

Royal Caribbean Group has awarded Exit Glacier Greenhouses a $20,000 Port Partners Small Business Accelerator grant in Seward, Alaska. The business, founded by Sydney Singer, plans to use the funding to develop six solar-powered, crop-specific greenhouse modules. The expansion is expected to raise output from an anticipated 700 pounds of seasonal produce in 2026 to 4,000 pounds within a year. The award follows a multi-month accelerator delivered with local education, business, and civic partners.

Greenhouse Expansion Plans

Exit Glacier Greenhouses aims to provide Seward with year-round produce grown with what it describes as the lowest environmental impact. The project comes as more than 95% of food in Alaska is imported, according to the release.

The grant is intended to help the business increase local access to fruit and vegetables for Seward’s 2,900 residents, while building greenhouse infrastructure powered by solar energy.

“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. 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.”

Accelerator Support For Entrepreneurs

The 2026 Port Partners Small Business Accelerator brought together 15 participants from across South Central Alaska. Its workshops and coaching covered business planning, financial management, marketing, community engagement, and sustainable growth strategies.

Participants worked with local entrepreneurs and industry professionals, received three credits through the University of Alaska system, and had the opportunity to pitch business plans to community leader judges at a live event. Exit Glacier Greenhouses also receives ongoing mentorship and exposure through the Port Partners network.

The program was supported by the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, the Alaska Small Business Development Center, the Seward Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Seward.

Port Partners In Seward

Royal Caribbean Group runs Port Partners as part of its SEA the Future program. The program’s Seward award recognizes a local business that the company says can create opportunity and support the community’s long-term vitality.

“At Royal Caribbean Group, we believe strong communities are essential to delivering memorable vacation experiences. The Port Partners program is about investing in local entrepreneurs who are creating opportunities, supporting economic resilience, and helping communities thrive. We congratulate Exit Glacier Greenhouses on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to supporting their continued growth.”

A Local Business Pipeline

The program’s celebration featured catering from Primrose Provisions, Flamingo Lounge, Firebrand BBQ, Alaska Culinary Experience, and Stoney Creek Brewhouse. Decorations came from Lift’d Gifts, with music from Blackwater Railroad.

For local founders, the program offers a practical combination of training, mentorship, college credits, and a chance to present a business plan to community judges. Exit Glacier Greenhouses’ grant gives its planned food production expansion a clear next step.