Mastercard Incorporated MA recently partnered with a host of other leading small business providers for rolling out “Launchpad America.” Notably, the partners comprise America’s Small Business Development Center (“SBDC”), GoSmallBiz.com, Intuit INTU, Lendio, Roll by ADP and Thryv THRY.Through the initiative, the specialized knowledge and expertise of all partners will be integrated to offer the much-needed resources and tools to launch a small business. America’s SBDC will play the role of a mentor to offer guidance to entrepreneurs and startups on fundamentals of setting up and growing a small business. Besides, lucrative offers provided by rest of the partners can be availed by participating startups through the website of Launchpad America.Notably, the initiative aims to optimize operations and boost growth prospects for startups. Launchpad America intends to address the multiple hurdles encountered by owners while setting up a startup. Per the U.S. Small Business Administration, 20% startups are unable to sustain themselves during the first year of establishment. Further, 50% of them are unable to continue their business for five years.Moreover, Launchpad America seems to be time opportune considering the COVID-19 pandemic induced financial uncertainties. Closure of physical stores and supply chain constraints put pressure on business’ operating environment. Nevertheless, as businesses globally are gradually recommencing operations, Launchpad America is likely to instill optimism for entrepreneurship in the post-pandemic era.Its a well-known fact that small businesses form an integral part of the U.S. economy. Americans have exhibited increased interest toward startups, which is substantiated by the U.S. Census Bureau. Beginning from spring 2020 and continuing into this year, new business applications are being filed at the fastest rate since 2007.Furthermore, Mastercard has always been committed to providing necessary assistance to startups through Mastercard Accelerate portfolio. The assistance ranged from offering technological assistance to helping them in rolling out new products and enhanced payments solutions. It has also undertaken substantial investments for supporting growth prospects of startups.Another company in the same space, Visa Inc. V has launched an accelerator program, which gives opportunity to participating startups to progress with their expansion plans.Zacks Rank & Price PerformanceShares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 19.3% in a year compared with the industry’s growth of 10.8%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchTime to Invest in Legal MarijuanaIf you’re looking for big gains, there couldn’t be a better time to get in on a young industry primed to skyrocket from $17.7 billion back in 2019 to an expected $73.6 billion by 2027.After a clean sweep of 6 election referendums in 5 states, pot is now legal in 36 states plus D.C. Federal legalization is expected soon and that could be a still greater bonanza for investors. Even before the latest wave of legalization, Zacks Investment Research has recommended pot stocks that have shot up as high as +285.9%You’re invited to check out Zacks’ Marijuana Moneymakers: An Investor’s Guide. It features a timely Watch List of pot stocks and ETFs with exceptional growth potential.Today, Download Marijuana Moneymakers FREE >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Mastercard Incorporated (MA): Free Stock Analysis Report Visa Inc. (V): Free Stock Analysis Report Intuit Inc. (INTU): Free Stock Analysis Report Thryv Holdings, Inc. (THRY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research