Despite some progress in overall economic conditions since the recess, small business owners remain anxious about the economy. These concerns have had real impacts on the smaller firms’ willingness to invest in their businesses, hire additional workers, or seek additional capital.

Given that smaller businesses have traditionally led economic growth coming out of a recession, the fact that this is not happening this time around is hampering employment and economic growth. Two recent surveys have highlighted this fact.

First, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce conducted it’s annual Small Business Outlook Survey. Nearly half of small businesses, defined as those with under $25 million in annual sales, felt that economic uncertainty was their top concern. Other top challenges included fiscal efforts to address the federal deficit and debt, government regulations and the Health Care law.

In addition, 64 percent intended to keep the same number of employees over the next year, with 19 percent planning additional hiring. Interestingly, despite negative views on the national economy, almost two-third report that their own businesses are “on the right track.

Earlier today, the National Federation of Independent Business released its Small Business Optimism Index, which fell from 90.9 in May to 90.8 in June. While virtually the same as the previous month, the index reflects continued wariness on the part of small business owners. Over half of the respondents who suggested that the next six months were not a good time to expand, said that economic conditions were the reason. The top concern remains “poor sales.”

Chad Moutray is chief economist, National Association of Manufacturers.