Mompreneurs -- nearly 10 million of them -- are women with children who for varied reasons have embraced the concept of being their own boss. They are jumping into the small business ring, some of them even setting aside the demands of a full time job so they can spend more time with their kids while setting up home-based businesses.

According to work-at-home experts Ellen H. Parlapiano and Patricia Cobe, authors of Mompreneurs, A Mother's Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Work-at-Home Success, this new breed of business owners is powerful and growing.

"Today's mompreneurs want more control of their time and more flexibility to be with their kids. Home-based businesses help many women achieve this," said Parlapiano. "By leveraging their talents as mothers and converting their skills and passions into business tools, more women than ever are creating small businesses that give them the best of both worlds."

Parlapiano and Cobe recommend the following tips for aspiring mompreneurs:

• Do Your Homework: Gather as much information as you can about your particular business. Research similar businesses in your area to find out about your marketplace, your competition, and appropriate prices for your service or products.

• Tap Big Businesses To Help Your Small Business: Many large corporations have tailored products and programs to suit the needs of small business owners. For example, AT&T Resources For New Business provides business start-ups a single source for information about financing and writing a business plan and offers consulting, free seminars hosted by business experts, discounts from national vendors and a helpful website.

• Stay Technology Savvy: Communications is at the heart of small business. Take advantage of the internet and consider setting up your own toll-free number and website, and add your e-mail address and your 800/888 number to your business card. Also, don't tie yourself to the desk. Investigate wireless services that will give you accessibility to your customers and flexibility to be away from your home office.