At the start build construction sectors until you have a slight deficit, otherwise focus on building industry to supply the construction sector(wood, tools, iron etc), let the private sector handle pop needs. When you have built up your construction industry to the point where the supply is satisfied and you cant handle more construction sectors financially, build industries to satisfy domestic demand, check your market for that, at the start it will most likely be furniture and clothes. Literacy is very important, make sure to use the "promote social mobilty" decree, to help with increasing it. Avoid burocracy deficits, avoid stockpiling gold, dont worry about authority deficits, if you are smaller than a major power avoid debt, always try to reduce the power of landowners. For a starting nation i recommend argentina, you have all the natural resources you need and you shouldnt be in the scopes of any great powers.