Optimism about the future appears to be gaining momentum among the state's small business owners.
A new survey finds more than half of the state's small-business owners think the state is going in the right direction. More than 500 companies responded to the 10th annual Small Business California survey.
"That's a big number," said Steve Hauge, president of the lobbying group. He said that is a positive sign following last year, when 58 percent thought the state was going in the wrong direction.
He also found the perception of the overall economy is getting better.
"Fifty-four percent said poor and very poor last year. This year was 44 percent," Hauge said. "And then when we asked about hiring, there was more that said they were going to be doing hiring in the next six months, so overall they seem to be much more positive."
The survey also found four of five people polled expect their business to be around in three years.
