
In the business of pitching HR solutions to the SMB? Well, take a close look at the recent spike in technology companies hiring. Research finds that 74% of tech start-ups expect to create new jobs in 2010. That means opportunities for VARs pitching hardware and software that supports growing infrastructures-software, services and hardware.

Survey respondents said the Web, software and hardware sectors are the largest growing markets for the startup community. Professionals from those markets cite rapid increases in sales and quicker decision-making among existing customers as well as expansion into other lines of businesses as the main drivers of their optimism.

Although biotech and other life sciences sectors expected an increase in revenue and business activity, research showed that those who play in the genome sector are markedly less optimistic than the Web, software and hardware markets.

Jittery CEOs and startup execs are not sleeping much. Their main anxieties are fueled by a general concern over today’s business conditions, potential for slow recovery and what that means for revenue generation. Plus, VCs are still slow to open their wallets, and that can put a damper on growth and expansion.

And, they should be worried. In 2009, VC investment declined by a whopping 37 percent. Investors are also concerned about the lack of an IPO market, acquisition offers and the tightening loan requirements at the majority of banks.

With plans to add troops to their budding armies, startup companies are struggling to find the right talent to help with expansion and growth. That’s surprising given today’s unprecedented unemployment levels.

Maybe you’re in the market for a move or maybe you need to see who is in growth mode for potential sales leads. Today, there are 12,000 job openings at VC-backed companies listed on StartUpHire.com, an affiliate of the National Venture Capital Association.

VC-funded companies play a pivotal role in the US economy. In 2008, VC-backed companies employed 12.1 million people and generated $3 trillion in revenue —that’s the equivalent of about 21 percent of the US GDP. Not too shabby.