This was someone I knew personally and I asked him to try out the app and right in front of me so I got feedback right away

There are other resources in the world besides raw money. Find and use what’s available to you. Physical labor around your neighborhood or community can be done without any money. Like dog walking, or car washing if you have the supplies already on hand. Use what you have already or use what you know. I know people who are entrepreneurs and all they posses is a smartphone and that’s enough sometimes.