question Does Trade Name registration count as First Used in Business?

If you are talking about the "first use" requirement for a US trademark registration application premised on use of the mark, then the answer is "no".

In order to register a mark in the US, the mark must be used in interstate commerce in the United States. While they don't conduct an inquiry into the topic, the applicant is asked to specify the "first use" of the mark in commerce.

To "use" a mark, means that the mark is visible to consumers on or in connection with the provision of the goods or services, such that it serves the function of distinguishing those goods and services from those of others. For goods, normally the mark is used on the package, label, or goods themselves; while on services it might be on uniforms, vehicles, or the place where the services are rendered.

Filing a trade name or business name registration does not establish that the term is being used as a trade or service mark on any goods or services whatsoever.

Depending on what you mean by "the next few years", an intent-to-use application might be appropriate, but it is not entirely clear what your overall objective may be, or whether a trademark registration application of any sort is appropriate to that objective.

Thank you very much. You answered my question(s) perfectly.