lay the foundation (?.)

• base
• blaze the trail
• break the ice
• build
• build in
• clear the way
• cultivate the soil
• establish
• fix
• found
• go in advance
• ground
• install
• invest
• lay the groundwork
• open the way
• pave the way
• pitch
• plant
• prepare the way
• put in
• put up
• seat
• set
• set up
• sow the seed
• vest