Something has to be doable in a VERY short period of time (I'm thinking a month is too long) by one, maybe two people. This is just to buy more runway for Phase II, III, IV, etc.

As you point out, spending years tweaking an ontology(s) just won't cut it.

And I would offer that whatever it is of value you can produce must be put into the hands of end-users who have essentially no interest at all in ontology. What you've produced—whatever it is—must make their job easier... & hopefully enrich your Phase I & buy runway for follow on phases.