Hello Jane!! Good to see you finally on here!
I know you’re in the USA so I can give you my experience and if anyone else wants to jump in PLEASE do!
I opened my business in Florida 8 years ago and every state in the US has it’s own resources to utilize. In Florida it’s sunbiz.org and it’s very easy to do this online, choose a name, pay a fee, and then it’s done!
Also some universities and colleges offer free business services that will help you set up a business in your area and also help you make sure all is good with Uncle Sam by providing you with good financial tips for keeping your business records straight…financially speaking.
ADVISORY: I am NOT providing sound legal advice, just my experience in the past 🙂