The closure of Dash Point Metropolitan Market, now set for Jan. 3, initially came as a surprise to the Federal Way business community when announced in November.

Since 2004, the market has anchored Dash Point Village shopping plaza. Nearby merchants, the Federal Way Chamber and the city’s economic development director ranked among those surprised that the market was performing poorly enough to close. Despite a drop in discretionary spending by consumers nationwide, the upscale market had seemingly survived the worst of the Great Recession.

On the other hand, the Federal Way location was the “lowest-volume store out of six stores” with a five-year shortfall, according to Metropolitan Market’s CEO.

An effort for self-preservation is under way as Dash Point Village merchants face 2010 without a main anchor store. David St. John, owner of Gents Fine Grooming for Men, said ideas for the shopping center range from courting a big tenant like Whole Foods to pooling money for a flashy entrance sign.

Metropolitan Market’s 65 employees were offered jobs at the grocery chain’s other Puget Sound locations. However, that means 65 fewer jobs and another empty building in Federal Way. Other local business closures in 2009 include Pacific Coast Ford and Federal Way Mail Center.

In 2010, a business incubator program backed by the city and Federal Way Chamber offers some hope. The program will assist local entrepreneurs with training and resources in the development of their small businesses.

The incubator is planned to operate a minimum of 10 years on a $700,000 budget. Start-up costs have already been secured by the city. The program’s potential payoff: More thriving businesses that generate more jobs within Federal Way’s borders.

Small businesses drive the local, state and national economies. The incubator program cannot guarantee success for businesses in Federal Way, but it can reduce the odds of failure — and help raise the quality of life for Federal Way residents.