Economics Minister Robert Habeck wants energy-intensive medium-sized companies to receive new subsidies for their gas and electricity costs as quickly as possible.
"Now it is crucial how quickly we can reach agreement in the federal government and get the implementation underway quickly," said Habeck on Tuesday.
The grants could also be granted retrospectively from September.
The Greens politician has invited around 40 small and medium-sized business associations to a digital summit on Tuesday, where the main focus will be on expanding the current rescue package.
Above all, Habeck wants to open up existing funding instruments in such a way that the skilled trades also benefit.
Medium-sized companies from all sectors of the economy, which are severely affected by rising energy costs, should be able to receive grants more easily.
"I mean: We must now muster all the financial strength that is necessary to secure the good substance of our economy and jobs in this country and to lead it into the future," emphasized Habeck.
According to his plans, the energy cost containment program, which was previously aimed at industry, is to be opened up to trade and the service sector.
The program supports companies that cannot pass on sharply increased energy costs to their customers due to international competition.
The more a company is affected by the high energy costs, the higher the subsidy should be.
However, the state cannot compensate for every increase in costs, emphasized the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
In addition, an incentive must be set to save gas.
Habeck also wants to extend the grants until at least April 2024 and is therefore holding talks with the EU Commission.