Optimism among small business owners slipped this month, according to the SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard survey for October, with 70% saying  they are optimistic about the small business economy, down from 76% in September’s survey.

The report also surveyed the small business owners about their biggest fears.  Results include:

1. An increase in taxes on their earnings: 27%
2. Government regulations: 26%
3. Recession: 15%
4. Employees leaving: 13%
5. Stock market crash
6. Their competitors
7. Finding someone to take over the business when they retire

“Small business owners want to control their own destiny, so it makes sense that they would be most worried about forces outside of their control,” said SurePayroll General Manager Andy Roe. “Still, they tend to be very positive, optimistic thinkers. They’re able to embrace the challenges.”

SurePayroll’s Scorecard compiles data from more than 40,000 small businesses and exclusively reflects the trends affecting businesses with one to 10 employees. The average business reflected has six employees. SurePayroll Inc. provides online payroll services to small businesses. It is a subsidiary of Paychex Inc. (NASD: PAYX).