The first step to starting a business is selecting a name that is one-of-a-kind, and a New York business entity search is a good starting point to do so. Existing registrations can be reviewed to ensure there are no conflicts of name or compliance concerns. Records are kept by the Secretary of State to aid in the verification of business name availability. The Secretary of State of New York business entity search is a useful tool for many owners to ensure their desired name is not already taken.