You can set up an empty repository by adding a README file.

  1. On GitHub Enterprise, navigate to the main page of the empty repository.
  2. To add a README file, under "Quick setup," click README. Link to create a README file in an empty repository
  3. In the new file editor window, add your README content. For more information on crafting a README, see "About READMEs." new content in new README file

  4. At the bottom of the page, type a short, meaningful commit message that describes the change you made to the file. Commit message for your change

  5. Below the commit message fields, decide whether to add your commit to the current branch or to a new branch. If your current branch is master, you should choose to create a new branch for your commit and then create a pull request. Commit branch options

  6. Click Propose new file. Propose new file button

Further reading