JoAnn McFarland

JoAnn McFarland is a Staff Writer for Small Business Trends. She covers breaking news such as new product announcements, government policy, acquisitions and other industry developments. JoAnn was born and raised in Hermiston OR where she currently resides with her husband, Jerry, and youngest son Darrell and his family. Graduating from Hermiston High School, JoAnn went on to Blue Mountain Community College and attained a certificate for Licensed Practical Nurse and an Associate degree in General Studies. She later obtained her Associates in the Science of Nursing from a self-study program at Regents College (now Excalibur) NY State University. JoAnn enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, playing the piano and reading. She sings on her church’s worship team and has written a novel, The Ancients, a medical mystery with a supernatural theme, available on Amazon. JoAnn is currently working on her next book which will feature experiences in nursing homes that will act as a guide book regarding placing your loved one in nursing homes.

Need a Small Business Loan? Kabbage Recently Raised $135 Million

The online small business lender Kabbage has received another $135 million in Series E funding to boost the amount of money it loans to small businesses.

Oct 30, 2015

Deskercise: 17 Exercises You Can Do At or Near Your Desk

Chained to your desk all day doesn't mean you should devolve into a sedentary, out-of-shape stiff. Here are 17 exercises you can do -- many from your desk -- that boost your heart rate, stretch your muscles and help prevent serious injuries.

Oct 29, 2015

Samsung Earnings Are Rebounding as Flurry of New Biz Tech Appears

Samsung remains optimistic after a positive earnings report last quarter. Despite losing some of the smartphone market share to Apple, the company still remains a leader in mobile technology hardware.

Oct 25, 2015

NASA Says It Will Start Licensing Technology to Startups

NASA is hoping startups will take advantage of an offer of free licensing of its technology to help propel the space agency to Mars. Companies can use the licenses to develop their own products, whether they're dedicated to the goal of reaching Mars or not.

Oct 20, 2015

Social Media Usage Nearly 10 Times Higher Than a Decade Ago

New research shows that social media use is truly on the rise. And this has empowered small businesses with the ability to stay in direct contact with more of their customers.

Oct 19, 2015

Small Business Travelers Should Benefit From Expedia, Orbitz Deal

Both companies are promising the acquisition will result in more options for the budget-conscious traveler, especially those traveling for business. How could the new company enhance your next business trip?

Oct 1, 2015

Can Fidgeting Help When Sitting Long Hours at Your Desk?

Feeling chained to your desk? That feeling got you feeling bad about yourself? New research shows that the little motions you make while sitting at your desk, like kicking your feet, can actually improve your health.

Sep 29, 2015

Verizon Hum Makes Your Business Vehicle Secure

Verizon has formally introduced hum. This is a service that enables small businesses to turn vehicles in their fleet into smart cars, in a manner of speaking.

Sep 23, 2015

GoDaddy Pro Expands Features Available to Program Members

GoDaddy says it has hit a milestone with its Pro program for Web builders: 50,000 users. To celebrate the occasion, the company has added some new standard features to the program.

Sep 21, 2015

Special Funding Earmarked for Minority Businesses in Detroit

A partnership between JPMorgan Chase, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the Detroit Development Fund will make more than $6 million available to minority-owned small businesses in the city that's trying to rebound from the decline of the once mighty automobile industry there.

Sep 17, 2015

Final Release of Microsoft Office 2016 Is Out

Microsoft recently announced that the final version release of Office 2016. Features includes upgrades to Outlook, and collaboration in real time.

Sep 16, 2015

NOWDiagnostics Inc Acquisition Benefits Small Health Practitioners

A deal that has NOWDiagnostics acquiring ZBx Corp. could mean more on-the-spot healthcare testing and diagnoses. The deal could benefit small healthcare businesses that outsource much of their necessary lab work.

Sep 7, 2015