Disappointing sales are the number-one problem afflicting America’s small businesses, and few business owners expect consumers to start spending again any time soon, according to the National Federation of Independent Business’s latest monthly survey of its membership.

As we know, sales declines have also forced businesses to shut down. In the first quarter of 2009, there were 14,319 business bankruptcies in the U.S. — a 64% surge from 2008, and the highest of any quarter in at least the past 15 years, according to the American Bankruptcy Institute.

While there are some signs for optimism, the continuing tight credit market and the fear that small businesses will be forced to carry the burden of health care reform continues to weigh heavily on the minds of small business owners.