Basics

This page aims to show various Business Models to aid Microfactories and Print Farms in breaking even, or earning a small profit, to prevent the typical issue of good causes becoming Money Pits
#3 business models - subcontracting, reverse engineering, product design

Models

Not for everyone, but 3D Printing can be a GREAT art medium
Lattice Cubes, Lampshades, Lithophanes, Sculptures, and kinetic art can all be made easily (assuming you have someone to make the desings...)
Market may be the issue, but either online Etsy , Flea Markets, or local craft fairs are all options

Between Haloween, local theatres/indie film studios, and the emerging prevalence of cosplay there is a large market for 3D Printed Parts, or Molds etc in costumes or props
Many can't afford 3D Printers, but a 3D Printed Helmet, Sword, Mask, etc is often doable
Can also be combined with metal casting (even simple aluminum from Lost PLA Casting , Greensand Casting (using 3d Printed forms), Lost Wax Casting ), Silicone Molds (3D Printed), CNC Foam Cutting and more for little additional cost of equipment (toolheads, or propane etc, and a crucible + some cans)

Make architechtual models
Make models for various academic uses (heart cutaways, skeletons, cell cutaways, etc) (something as simple as a local elementary school would work as a user base)
Make models for presentations

Work hand in hand with local schools
Mainly middle and high schools would be the targets (perhaps vocational schools (models of engines?) ? )
Work with engineering classes, physics classes, art classes, and anyone who would want the service
Print designs made by students, print models, or even do 3D Printer builds long term

Sort of it's own category, but if you have a 3D Printer, you are a great cantidate to start your own, or team up with others to make one
At this phase it would most likely be garage/school/library based level stuff (no 5 axis wire edm machine yet...), but still a makerspace in your area is better than NONE
ANOTHER can of worms of models, but "throw money into the pot" and events/people paying for materials can work
This is especially true if the market is EMPTY (ie no local makerspaces)