According to a survey by Balboa Capital, a majority of small business owners believe that the U.S. economy is on the trending upward and will remain strong in the second half of 2015.

Of the 35,000 respondents, 65% said they believe the economy will perform better in the final two quarters of 2015, while 48% expect the economy to end the year with higher growth.

“Small business owners we surveyed are optimistic about the economy and think it will continue to improve during the second half of the year,” said Jake Dacillo, director of marketing at Balboa Capital. “This speaks to the improvements in revenue and cash flow that small businesses experienced throughout the first six months of 2015.”

In addition, 26% of small business owners acquired capital from an alternative lender during the first half of the year, with 12% of those that needed capital using equipment leasing as an option. Credit lines (16%) and small business loans (8%) were alternatives.