A new national poll out February 1 finds that small business owners are most concerned about weak customer demand for their products and services, while reducing government regulations actually came in at fifth place. The survey was conducted by the American Sustainable Business Council, Main Street Alliance and Small Business Majority.

While many of the 500 small business owners polled cited the critical need to eliminate incentives that move jobs overseas, the overwhelming majority of them also said that regulations are needed to protect small businesses from unfair competition and maintain a level playing field with big business (78%). Furthermore, a full 86% of those surveyed said they view regulations as a necessary part of a modern economy.

“Despite the heated rhetoric, regulations simply aren’t small businesses’ top concern,” said John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority, in a recent statement. “Small businesses can be the jobs engine we need to jumpstart the economy, but not if legislators are focusing on something that isn’t their top problem. Policymakers should listen to what real small businesses are saying and act accordingly.”

To read the full report regarding these national survey findings, click here on Opinion Survey: Small Business Owners’ Opinions on Regulations and Job Creation now!