diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 2798765789..3327828935 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -101,8 +101,7 @@ We use `cabal's` [Nix-style local builds][nix] for development. To get started q
 ```bash
 git clone git@github.com:github/semantic.git
 cd semantic
-git submodule sync --recursive && git submodule update --init --recursive --force
-cabal new-update
+script/bootstrap
 cabal new-build
 cabal new-test
 cabal new-run semantic -- --help
diff --git a/script/bootstrap b/script/bootstrap
new file mode 100755
index 0000000000..a1a080e847
--- /dev/null
+++ b/script/bootstrap
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+git submodule sync --recursive && git submodule update --init --recursive --force
+cabal new-update