confidence-entrepreneursTwo studies out this week indicate that entrepreneurs are feeling pretty gosh-darned good about their prospects — not a surprise given the surges on Wall Street.

The first, conducted by the Kauffman Foundation and LegalZoom, found that 84 percent of entrepreneurs were “confident” or “very confident” that their businesses would be more profitable in the next 12 months. (See chart above). The confidence levels are even higher among young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 30, with 96 percent saying they anticipate higher profits.

hire-svbMeanwhile, Silicon Valley Bank’s Startup Outlook Survey of 758 entrepreneurs found that most believe things are headed in a positive direction.

About 60 percent of the executives surveyed said that economic conditions were better in 2012 than in the previous year.

“When you look at world of high-growth technology startups, there’s a lot to be happy about,” the report said. “Entrepreneurs continue to form companies at a truly remarkable pace. Disruptive transformation is spreading into areas ripe for change: mobility, financial services and education, to name just three.”

Companies are looking to hire in order to fuel their businesses, with 87 percent saying they are “likely to hire” this year. That compares to 73 percent who felt that way in 2010.

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