first step vs initiative

first step and initiative both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
first step	Yes	No	No	No
initiative	Yes	Yes	No	No

As nouns, first step and initiative are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of first step include opening, opening move.

first step (noun)	initiative (noun)
the first of a series of actions	the first of a series of actions
	readiness to embark on bold new ventures

first step (adjective)	initiative (adjective)
	serving to set in motion