Are there companies out there that can be hired to set up, configure ubb, and provide assistance when changes are needed? I'm hoping to jump start the process and possibly avoid the learning curve.

We offer installation and upgrade services if needed. Both of these are available on the purchase page. If you need help beyond that, I'd take a look over at UBBDev.com. There are several people there that offer what you're looking for.

Thank you.

There are also several users (and modification developers at UBBDev; including myself, Allen, IanSpence, etc) who provide upgrades/modifications/etc