To find out if a business name is available, start by searching your state's Secretary of State website, which maintains a registry of all registered business entities. You can typically search by company name for free on their online database. Additionally, check the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website to see if the name is trademarked, which is important if you plan to operate nationally or use the name as a brand. Search major internet search engines and social media platforms to see if competitors or similar businesses already use the name. For domain availability, use domain registrar websites like GoDaddy or Namecheap to check if the .com, .net, or other extensions matching your business name are available. If you're incorporating as an LLC or corporation, some states offer a business name availability check tool directly on their Secretary of State site before you file. Conduct a trademark search at the USPTO database (tess.uspto.gov) to ensure no federally registered trademarks conflict with your chosen name. Finally, search your local county records if you're registering a sole proprietorship or DBA (Doing Business As) name, as local availability requirements vary by jurisdiction. Once you've confirmed availability, consider reserving the name with your state before officially registering your business to prevent someone else from claiming it during your setup process.