commence

verb

1. 1

   take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

   We began working at dawn

   Who will start?

2. 2

   set in motion, cause to start

   The U.S. started a war in the Middle East

   The Iraqis began hostilities

3. 3

   get off the ground

   Who started this company?

   We embarked on an exciting enterprise