Cider yeast starter...

Hi guys im new to the forum and new to brewing! Yesterday I pressed my apples to make cider. After watching afew videos on youtube I added a tea spoon of sugar and one of yeast to a glass of tepid water. After an hour i came back to it. There were a few, really not many, small bubbles. I thought Id have a go and add this to my apple juice and check in 24hours. Iv come back to it today and it seems nothing has happened. Does anyone have any thoughts? Could the yeast be dead? Am I just expecting too much too quick?

I really dont want to loose the apple juice so any help/advice would be so appreciated.

Thanks so much
Alex