Area small businesses win awards

As part of its annual celebration of National Small Business Week April 30-May 6, the U.S. Small Business Administration is recognizing individuals and small business owners throughout the country, including David Rosen, owner of Kira Labs in Pompano Beach, and Paul Murrow, of South Dade Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in Homestead.

Rosen was named the SBA’s 2017 State of Florida and South Florida District Exporter of the Year.

The awards program features 16 categories including exporting, outreach, contracting, lending, disaster recovery, manufacturing and research and development.

Rosen launched the international cosmetics manufacturer in 2001, growing it into a multimillion-dollar global skin-care company and from 10 employees to over 60.

Murrow, president of South Dade Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, which has offices in Homestead and Selma, Ala., was named 2017 Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Florida and the South Florida District.

In 1985, Murrow opened his repair shop, expanding it into a multi-state federal government contractor. The firm specializes in general and mechanical construction, facility management, maintenance, manufacturing and distribution, providing personnel cleared to work in secure government facilities across the United States.

Rosen and Murrow attribute much of their business sustainability and success to a variety of SBA programs they have tapped into over the years, such as mentoring, capital access services, training and strategy development assistance.

Learn more about National Small Business Week at sba.gov/nsbw/