From Islands to Iditarod: Two Bold Ventures, One Wild Ride
After just two days vacationing in Seward, Shawn and Cynthia George knew they had found home. They sold everything they owned in the U.S. Virgin Islands—including their previous business—and made the bold move to Alaska. Now, just two years later, they’ve successfully launched two unique businesses: Bear Necessities Alaska, entering its second summer of nightly rentals, and ATV Seward, the only ATV tour guide service in Seward, set to launch its inaugural season this summer.
“We fell in love with the land, the people, and the pace of life here,” Cynthia shared. “It wasn’t just a move—it was a complete restart,” Cynthia said. With a deep respect for local history and trails, the Georges have partnered with other Seward businesses to enhance tourists’ experiences and give back to the community. They proudly support the Seward Iditarod Trailblazers to help preserve Alaska’s historic trail system.
But opening two businesses in such a short time wasn’t easy—especially while relocating across the continent. That’s where Seward Business Advisor, KellyAnn Cavaretta, and the Alaska SBDC came in. “Opening one business is tough, but selling one outside the country and launching two more in two years is unthinkable! KellyAnn kept us on track and supported us every step of the way,” Cynthia said. “She helped us with a business startup checklist, financial projections, and securing capital for both businesses. Our lives in Seward wouldn’t be possible without her help.”
Bear Necessities property was purchased early in 2024, and the five cabins have undergone extensive remodels for a cozy new accommodation option just outside Seward’s city center. Cynthia and Shawn owned and operated an ATV business for years on the Virgin Islands, so the idea for ATV Seward was already planted.
They will be the first ATV tour operators in Seward, providing family-friendly rides on the historic Iditarod trails. As Bear Necessities welcomes a new wave of visitors and ATV Seward gears up for its first full season of guided tours, the Georges are just getting started—and so is their adventure in Alaska.
Find out more about their adventurous ATV business at atvseward.com, or explore their new accommodations at bearnecessitiesalaska.com.
