A Winter Walk Downtown: Parks, Water, and One Beautiful Loop at a Time
January 27, 2026
Downtown Olympia is shaped by the creativity and commitment of the small businesses that call this area home. From thoughtful storefront upgrades to enhanced customer experiences, local entrepreneurs continue to invest in the details that make our city vibrant and welcoming.
The LoveOly Microgrants program exists to help spark that momentum. With just $500, projects that may have sat on the back burner suddenly move forward — ideas turn into action, and improvements take shape. And the impact speaks for itself: the program delivers a 3.69x return on investment, showing that small grants can ignite real economic activity downtown.
“Rarely do organizations provide direct funding to small businesses, but this program through the Alliance does exactly that,” said Ryan DiCrescenzo, owner of Lolli Llama Candy Company and a Fall 2025 LoveOly Microgrants recipient.
“The project gave me the opportunity to engage with my fellow small business neighbors and customers in a way that was fun, unique, and truly impactful.”
As the Olympia Downtown Alliance reflects on highlights from the Fall 2025 cycle, these projects illustrate how modest investments can inspire creativity, collaboration, and community connection. The upcoming Spring 2026 cycle is generously supported by PCS Structural Solutions and Puget Sound Energy.
Fall 2025 Project Highlights
Endless Sound Cellars: A Wine Lover’s Haven
Located in Olympia’s 222 Market, Endless Sound Cellars is the brainchild of Mark Bosso. With a profound passion for wine, Mark has poured his lifetime of expertise into each bottle produced at this cherished winery. Recently, the addition of track lighting, funded by a LoveOly Microgrant, has enhanced both the safety and ambiance of the space, making evening visits even more inviting.
Flamenco Nights at Pizzeria La Gitana
Pizzeria La Gitana is known not only for its authentic Italian thin crust pizza, organic ingredients, and gluten-free options, but also for creating memorable dining experiences. With support from a LoveOly Microgrant, the restaurant hosted a Flamenco Night — a complimentary live performance introducing the community to the passionate art form of Flamenco. With live music, flickering candles, and fresh roses, the evening offered a full sensory celebration of food and culture.
South Bay BBQ’s Trivia Extravaganza
For more than 20 years, South Bay BBQ has been a staple for bold, Pacific Northwest-style barbecue. At The Pig Bar, the restaurant hosts lively events, including a popular trivia night. With a LoveOly Microgrant, they acquired new equipment such as a prize wheel and microphone, making trivia nights even more engaging and interactive for guests eager to test their knowledge.
Plum Street YMCA: Art and Wellness Unite
The Plum Street YMCA, a long-standing community cornerstone, has embraced art as a way to promote wellness and inclusion. With the help of a LoveOly Microgrant, the organization installed a vibrant exterior mural depicting diverse individuals prioritizing fitness and well-being. The artwork serves as an inspiring visual reminder of the YMCA’s mission and strengthens its connection to the broader downtown community.
A Sweet Adventure at Lolli Llama Candy Company
With more than 700 products to choose from, Lolli Llama Candy Company is a candy lover’s paradise. Through creative use of their LoveOly Microgrant, they organized a Golden Ticket Candy Hunt — a festive scavenger hunt that encouraged participants to explore local businesses while celebrating downtown’s charm and community spirit.
Art Forces Peacemaker Gallery Expands Public Access
Art Forces Peacemaker Gallery and Community Space uses art and cultural productions to illuminate connections between global social justice movements and histories that have been overlooked or forgotten. With support from a LoveOly Microgrant, Art Forces expanded its presence by transforming the foyer into a street-level annex. By converting the entryway and stairway walls into an extension of the gallery, they have reduced accessibility barriers and invited broader public engagement with their third-floor community space.
Together, these initiatives highlight the innovation and energy of Olympia’s small business community. Whether it’s a glass of wine, a slice of pizza, a spirited trivia night, a new mural, or a sweet treat, downtown Olympia offers experiences that leave lasting impressions.
Small investments create powerful momentum. The LoveOly Microgrants program continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation, partnership, and community pride in downtown Olympia.
For more information about the LoveOly Microgrants program and the Spring 2026 cycle, visit loveolydowntown.com/what-we-do.
The Olympia Downtown Alliance will accept applications through March 12, 2026. Downtown Olympia businesses are encouraged to apply: surveymonkey.com/r/spring2026pmg
