Why didn't I write at least one business plan in college?

I'm amazed at how many business plan competitions are occurring around the state, and even more amazed at how many are directed specifically at college entrepreneurs...and yet even more amazed at the prizes being given out.

Here's another competition I just learned about. The deadline for submission is February 8th and I'm being told that the number of entries is low. I'm even being told there's still time to write a potentially winning business plan.

Evansville New Venture Creation Competition

Friday, Feb. 8-Online registration due
Friday, Feb 22-Electronic Business Plan Due
Friday, March 7-Announcement of Teams
Friday, March 14-Business Plans Due (hard copy)
Friday, April 4-Competition (U of E in the Brand new Smyth Lecture Hall)

Prizes
1st place $10,000
2nd place $5,000
3rd place $2,500

Clearly all kinds of Indiana communities from towns to regional cooperatives to universities are turning to business plan competitions to spur economic development and to emphasize a culture of entrepreneurialism.

In general, it seems the demand for business plans to fill out the competitions is high, while the supply remains relatively low - great news for anyone holding even the most underdeveloped business plan. I wouldn't say it's easy to win, but the odds are high for serious entrepreneurs. (better than winning institutional money for sure, cheaper too)