Small businesses here are incorporated (Canada), and the same in the States.

When I retired, I wanted to work as a consultant, and the first thing I did was incorporate my company. Legally in business I became "Joe Blow" Professional Corporation under the laws of the province.
All professionals working independently or employing assistants or in partnership incorporate their business.

It puts the incorporated business separate from the personal effects- home and possessions, etc.- of the individual and/or associates, and is necessary for legal and tax purposes.

Corporations, large or small, may or may not be good corporate citizens; many of us look on BP as a bad one but that should not be a blanket condemnation of all corporations.

To incorporate in the province of Alberta, this government website gives the essentials-
Government Alberta Corporations