Despite their concerns about the economy, small business owners remain upbeat, according to the monthly survey by SurePayroll Inc., provider of online payroll services.

The July SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard showed that small business owners’ optimism was 62%, even though hiring was flat and average paycheck size was down 0.2%. It does mark, however, the first time since February that hiring has not been negative for the month. 

The Scorecard optimism survey further reflected the upbeat attitude of entrepreneurs as 70% said they would encourage others to go into business for themselves even in the current economic climate.

"Small business owners are optimistic by nature and they know that if you have a good idea you can take advantage of the lower costs in this economy and be successful," said SurePayroll CEO and President Michael Alter. "Still, we need more incentives for investors to back startups and less tax burdens on small businesses."