CHARLOTTE -- The phrase "stay-at-home mom" is more often becoming a "work-at-home mom" situation in many households, with mothers being able to spend their days working full-time jobs as both a mom and a business owner, thanks to the internet.

Tracy Phipps, a mother of two from Charlotte, wanted to devote her time to raising the kids. After a while, she also wanted to contribute to her family in other ways. She turned to her computer, and found Virtual Assistance.

On her computer, as her five and 2 1/2 year olds play, she helps whoever needs help. From PowerPoint presentations, to balancing the books, as a virtual assistant she can work in the corporate world without leaving home.

“I’m not going to say that I wasn't a whole person when I was just staying at home being a mom, but this has just helped me use that part of my brain that I haven't used in a long time,” said Phipps.

Over time, her services will likely be in high demand. According to the Small Business Administration, there are 23 million small firms in the United State. Roughly 75 percent have no employees at all. Virtual Assistance helps keep costs down.

The International Virtual Assistance Association is holding a conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Charlotte April 26-28, 2008.