Naturally Lewis is thrilled to congratulate Ed Johnson on the grand opening of The Tack Shack, a remarkable addition to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and small business community in Lewis County. As a mobile business, The Tack Shack will primarily serve the NY Otter Creek Trail system, which spans over 65 miles of breathtaking equestrian trails, capturing our clear skies and open spaces. Additionally, its flexibility allows it to cater to equine-related events, ensuring that riders have convenient access to essential supplies wherever they may be. 
Ed began his entrepreneurial journey through Naturally Lewis’ DBA Lewis County entrepreneurship program. At this point, Ed had a vision of his mobile tack shop and needed assistance with business planning services. A business plan is a vital step in an entrepreneur’s path, clarifying a business concept, setting goals and objectives, identifying target markets and competition, mapping out financial projections, guiding decision-making, and ultimately attracting funding and partnerships. Naturally Lewis connected Ed to the Watertown Small Business Development Center, where he diligently completed his business plan, setting a structure to guide future decision-making.
After setting his structure in a business plan, Ed grew from his diligent efforts. Naturally Lewis offered an entrepreneurial training course in partnership with the Watertown Small Business Development Center as a prerequisite to apply for our Launch Lewis County Microenterprise Grant Program. Ed applied, and was awarded, Launch Lewis County funds to make his dreams a reality. Through these funds, Ed was able to purchase his mobile trailer and supply inventory for The Tack Shack.
With all of these efforts and steps for growth accomplished, Ed was almost at the finish line. Through the Lewis County Industrial Development Agency’s Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, Ed was able to bridge his financing and support, bringing The Tack Shack to fruition.
“I am thrilled to offer this service to our local equine community as there is no other tack business within 70 miles,” said owner Edward Johnson. “The Tack Shack will offer equine supplies that were not previously readily available to the Otter Creek Horse Trail area. Our inventory will include a variety of horse supplies, so that if a rider forgets something or if something breaks, they can get back on the trails quickly! We are so excited to announce this grand opening and look forward to seeing and talking to all that attend this family friendly event.”
Once again, congratulations to Ed and The Tack Shack! You can stay in touch with Ed and the Tack Shack on Facebook at this link. Find more information about Naturally Lewis and the programs, services, and support we offer at naturallylewis.com.