NFIB State Director Julia Hammond says Virginia’s upcoming sales tax holiday will provide much-needed relief to small businesses and their customers.

The sales tax holiday on clothes, school supplies, hurricane preparedness items, generators, and Energy Star and WaterSense products begins on Friday, Aug. 2, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 4. Click here to learn more.

“This year’s tax holiday couldn’t come at a better time,” Hammond said. “Inflation continues to take a toll on small businesses and their customers. It’s driving up the costs of running a small business and forcing consumers to watch their spending.” The latest NFIB Small Business Optimism Index shows rising prices remain the No. 1 challenge for Main Street businesses.

“Shopping at local businesses instead of chain stores and online retailers has some important advantages,” Hammond said. “Local stories can offer better service and unique merchandise. When you shop small, more of your money stays in the community and helps create local jobs. Shopping locally also helps our communities stay economically strong.”