By Chris Wack 



  Amazon.com Inc. said Tuesday it is on course to invest $18 billion in 2020 to help independent businesses sell to customers, including investments in logistics, tools, services, programs, and people. 


  The Internet retail company said that since the beginning of the year, it has launched more than 135 free tools and services to help sellers increase their sales in Amazon's store. 


  In the next 12 months, Amazon said it will provide more than 500,000 U.S. small and medium-sized businesses with online selling guidance, education, and support, and the company plans to bring on an additional 100,000 U.S. businesses as new sellers in its store. 


  Amazon said that despite the impact Covid-19 has had on small businesses, many selling through Amazon have experienced continued growth. Third-party sellers continue to account for more than half of all units sold in Amazon's store, and even during the pandemic, third-party sales continued to grow faster than Amazon's first-party sales. 


  Amazon also said it plans to invest an additional $100 million to help small businesses around the world increase their sales and reach new customers this Prime Day and throughout the holiday season. This new investment will go toward putting a spotlight on the diversity of small businesses selling in Amazon's store, positioning them for increased sales during Prime Day and throughout the fourth quarter. 


  Write to Chris Wack at chris.wack@wsj.com