Pitch Competition Strategy: How Hanan Tantush Built a Brand Through Grant Funding

In this episode we are joined by Hanan Tantush, award winning founder of Intotum, an adaptive fashion brand dedicated to creating clothing that works with disability. Hanan started Intotum after seeing her grandfather struggle to find clothes that worked around his disability and stoma bag. What began as a personal insight turned into a pioneering inclusive fashion business recognised on Drapers 30 Under 30, featured at London Fashion Week, and awarded major startup prizes.This conversation is for founders, creatives, designers, and anyone with an idea but no blueprint. Hanan shares exactly how she built something that did not exist, including how she approached market validation, pitching, and building with grant fundingYou’ll learn how to:• identify and validate a problem that others haven’t solved• frame and pitch your idea to win grant funding at multiple stages• fund your business through competitions and grants • design with and for the community you serve• overcome self doubt and build credibility without a pre existing marketThis episode combines strategic insight and lived experience to help you think differently about creating and funding your first product or startup.Time stamps:00:01:00 - what’s adaptive clothing00:05:00 - learn by talking to people00:06:30 - the jump from designer to founder00:10:30 - how to tackle the founder blues00:12:30 - the arrival falacy 00:19:30 - pitching00:27:00 - criticism 00:30:00 - fashion week00:37:00 - finances00:41:00 - refining your delusionGuest BackgroundHanan Tantush is an inclusive fashion designer, founder of Intotum, and an accessible fashion consultant who collaborates with disabled communities to design functional, comfortable, and fashionable clothing. She has been recognised internationally, winning first place at major awards and pitching competitions.Why You Should WatchThis episode is more than a founder interview, it’s a guide to believing in your ideas before the market does. It’s about strategic pitching, creative problem solving, and the mindset required to build products that change lives. Whether you’re working on your first startup, exploring adaptive or inclusive design, or looking for practical advice on funding your idea without investors, this episode is a blueprint for turning a problem into impact.Subscribe to this channel to hear more stories from founders and innovators who are building solutions that matter. If this episode helped you, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway or what you’re currently building.Connect with Hanan and IntotumHanan : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanan-tantush-65358724b/ Intotum: https://intotumfashion.com/?srsltid=AfmBOormPVjBVYwqMn6pPt4njfSzyVy75tV2G5hmalY38IurEZCzmXkjInstagram: intotum_fashionTiktok: intotum_fashionConnect with me/ the podcast Podcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sFor collaborations and [email protected]