If you told me a few months ago that I would spend my Thursday morning networking with business professionals over coffee, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Not because I wouldn’t have wanted to, but because I didn’t even know events like this were happening. And honestly, even if I had, I probably wouldn’t have gone alone. The idea of showing up by myself felt intimidating. I’m still figuring out what I want to do in the future, and events like this can feel overwhelming; there’s always that moment when someone asks, “So, what’s next for you?” and I don’t quite have the answer. It makes me feel uncertain, maybe even insecure.
That’s why it felt like such a big step to actually show up to What’s Brewing, a bi-weekly event hosted by the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. This time, it was held at Gray & Co Coffee Shop in downtown Oshawa—just one of many rotating locations that make this event as local as it is lively.
True to the Oshawa Chamber‘s mission of community building, What’s Brewing doesn’t stick to just one location —it pops up every two weeks at different local cafés, eateries and unique venues across Oshawa. It’s a great way to spotlight small businesses and give people a reason to discover new spots in the city. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop or a familiar community venue, each location brings its own vibe and a fresh opportunity to connect with others.
What’s Brewing is more than just a casual meet-up. Every other Thursday, professionals, entrepreneurs, students and community members come together to chat about everything from business ideas to weekend plans. It is designed to be welcoming, informal and open—a space where you don’t need a title or a pitch deck to participate. Just curiosity, conversation and maybe a coffee in hand.
As a student, walking into a room full of professional, many of whom already knew each other, I felt a little intimidated at first. I don’t have a business to promote or a stack of business cards to hand out. But as soon as I arrived, that fear started to melt away. One of the regular attendees welcomed me into her circle and thanks to her introductions, I found myself chatting with multiple people from different industries. Everyone was open, kind and genuinely interested in hearing what I had to say, even if I wasn’t representing a company.
The best part? What’s Brewing is free for students from Durham College, Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham to attend. It’s the perfect way to dip your toe into the networking world without pressure, and because the event travels between local cafés, restaurants and unique venues every month, it’s also a great way to explore Oshawa’s hidden gems. The cherry on the sundae? Many students who’ve attended have walked away with more than good coffee and conversation; some have secured job offers or made valuable connections that opened doors.
There’s also something special about how this event helps build a sense of community. Conversations feel natural and unforced. It’s not just about talking business—it’s about showing up as yourself. In fact, one of the easiest ways to connect with people is by skipping the resume talk altogether. Share your weekend plans, ask someone what’s coming up for them, or bond over a mutual love for a local coffee shop. These moments are where genuine relationships start to grow.
If you’re a student thinking about attending, here’s what you can expect:
- Friendly faces, even if you don’t know anyone (yet!)
- Open conversations about business, careers and everyday life
- A rotating lineup of local venues to enjoy
- Opportunities to listen, learn and ask questions
- Welcoming energy—people genuinely want to meet you!
Networking tips for students:
- Bring a friend: It can ease the nerves and make it feel less overwhelming
- Be curious: Ask people what they do and how they got started
- Have a few questions ready: It helps break the ice
- Don’t stress if you’re not “selling” anything: Just be yourself
- Follow up: If you connect with someone, don’t be shy to send them a thank-you or message afterward
Events like What’s Brewing are more than just meetups—they’re connection points. They create room for community conversations, business collaborations and casual friendships all in one place. You can walk in alone and leave feeling like you’re part of something. Whether you’re looking for guidance, inspiration or simply a place to meet great people, What’s Brewing is worth waking up for.
Be sure to watch our Events Calendar for all upcoming What’s Brewing details, and discover just how easy (and fun) it can be to build your network, one coffee at a time!
